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Master Linetypes through Viewports
Tip# 3765 By Danny Korem On 30-Oct-2011
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Categories : Layer Manager
Software type : AutoCAD 2012
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This tip works if the objects are set to ByLayer.

Tipster Danny Korem shares a method for resolving linework-printing problems in AutoCAD.

"I had a call from a client of mine who became a bit frustrated while trying to master his output. Since his linework included attached xrefs (both his and others'), he thought that setting the linetype scale to an ordinary value (such as 1) would cover all non-continuous lines in his file. This is how it should be, but when digging deeper into the attached files, he discovered he couldn't solve the problem.

"Since time was limited, I offered the following suggestion: In the layer control environment within a viewport, we located all similar linetypes by using the built-in xref filter (for example, hidden2). Next, we selected them all, and selected a linetype in the VP (viewport) linetype column. In the latest versions of AutoCAD one can set different properties (such as color or linetype) within a specific viewport. This made all the difference; my client was able to master his linetypes to find the appearance he was looking for. Don't forget to check that VisRetain is set to 1."

Notes from Cadalyst Tip Patrol:
This is a good use of linetype control through viewports. It will only work, however, if the objects are set to ByLayer. If there are any object overrides for linetype or color, then there is nothing that can be done. A quick fix would be to open the xrefed files, select everything, and set them to ByLayer. Changing an object’s linetype (or color, or lineweight, or transparency) with the viewport layer controls is the way to go even if you made the drawings yourself. Create your base file (drawing everything set to bylayer), then change the display features through the layer manager in a viewport. This gives you an infinite number of ways to display your drawings.

 

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