Like lineweight, linetype is a property assigned to layers, and by extension, to objects assigned to those layers. Although it’s considered good practice to use layers to organize object linetype, object lineweight is often set on a per-object basis.

LINETYPE SCALE IN AUTOCAD.

All AutoCAD linetypes, with the exception of the default CONTINUOUS linetype, are subject to the LTSCALE system variable. As a general rule, if LTSCALE is increased, the size of the pattern (e. g. the dashes in the line) will increase. However, each different LINETYPE bears a different relationship to LTSCALE. For example, if you set LTSCALE to 1, the DASHED linetype looks like this:

Meanwhile, the HIDDEN linetype looks like this:

A good rule of thumb for LTSCALE is as follows. Consider the scale at which you’ll print the drawing. Convert this scale to a ratio (e. g. 1/4” = 1’-0” is equivalent to 1 : 48). Set LTSCALE to the right half of this ratio (in this example, to 48). This rule works because if you print your drawing at a comparatively small size, the dashes in the lines should be large relative to the size of objects in the drawing.

TO LOAD A LINETYPE INTO A DRAWING:

1.     Type LINETYPE.

2.     In the resulting Linetype Manager dialog box, click Load.

3.     Choose the linetype you want to load and click OK.

4.     Click OK again to close the dialog box. The linetype is now available to be assigned to layers and/or objects (see below).

TO CHANGE LINETYPE ON A PER-OBJECT BASIS:

1.     Load a linetype into your drawing. (See above.)

2.     From the View tab, Palettes panel, click Properties to display the Properties palette.

3.     Click on an object, or a group of objects. Click next to the word “Linetype” in the Properties palette and select a new linetype from the pulldown menu. Click the escape key to deselect the object(s).