LTSCALE vs PSLTSCALE vs MSLTSCALE in AutoCAD
LTSCALE, PSLTSCALE and MSLTSCALE control different parts of linetype display. LTSCALE is the global pattern factor, PSLTSCALE controls viewport/paper-space behavior, and MSLTSCALE relates Model Space display to annotation scale.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Understand which linetype scale variable to check when dashed or center lines look wrong.
Where to start: Use one drawing with a known dashed or center linetype visible in Model Space and at least one Layout viewport.
Beginner rule: Change one linetype setting at a time. Write down the original value first, run REGEN or REGENALL when needed, and judge the result in the Layout or Plot Preview—not only in Model Space.
Step by step — follow this in AutoCAD
Step 1 — Read LTSCALE
Where: Command line > type LTSCALE.
Do this: Note the global linetype scale factor.
Check: You know the drawing-wide base factor.
Step 2 — Read PSLTSCALE
Where: Command line > type PSLTSCALE.
Do this: Note whether it is 0 or 1.
Check: You know how Paper Space viewports are handling linetype scaling.
Step 3 — Read MSLTSCALE
Where: Command line > type MSLTSCALE.
Do this: Note whether Model Space display uses annotation-scale influence.
Check: You know the model-display rule.
Step 4 — Compare two viewports
Where: Layout with different viewport scales.
Do this: Look at the same linetype in both views.
Check: You can see whether patterns are intended to look uniform on paper.
Step 5 — Change one variable only
Where: Command line.
Do this: If testing, change only the variable your office standard calls for, then REGEN/REGENALL when needed.
Check: You can attribute the visual change to one setting.
Step 6 — Preview the plotted result
Where: Ctrl+P > Preview.
Do this: Judge linetype appearance on the sheet, not only in Model Space.
Check: Printed pattern is acceptable and repeatable.
Beginner example
A centerline looks dense in a 1:20 viewport and stretched in a 1:100 viewport. Before editing the linetype definition, compare PSLTSCALE, LTSCALE and the office standard, then REGEN the viewports.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
LTSCALE is global
It multiplies the linetype pattern scale for the drawing.
PSLTSCALE is about Paper Space viewport behavior
With PSLTSCALE = 1, linetype dash lengths can display uniformly on paper across viewports with different magnifications.
MSLTSCALE affects Model Space display
With MSLTSCALE = 1, model-tab linetypes are scaled by the annotation scale.
Regeneration matters
Autodesk notes that changes involving PSLTSCALE/zoom may require REGEN or REGENALL before the new pattern is displayed.
Useful next guides: Dashed Lines Between Viewports · Multiple Viewport Scales · Annotation Scale vs Viewport Scale in AutoCAD · Plot Preview
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| Dashed lines look solid | Pattern is too small/dense at current settings | Check LTSCALE and object linetype scale before redefining linetype. |
| Different viewports show different dash lengths | PSLTSCALE/viewport context | Check PSLTSCALE and REGENALL. |
| Model and Layout look very different | MSLTSCALE/annotation context differs | Compare MSLTSCALE and current annotation scale. |
| No visible change after setting variable | Drawing was not regenerated | Run REGEN/REGENALL. |
When you need a more repeatable workflow
For repeatable annotation and linetype output, record the office values and styles instead of fixing each sheet by eye. Keep annotation scales, text/dimension styles, LTSCALE/PSLTSCALE/MSLTSCALE rules and any required REGEN step in the CAD standard, then confirm the result in Plot Preview on a known-good sheet.
Official Autodesk references
Interface labels can vary slightly by AutoCAD release and workspace. These Autodesk pages are the primary references for the workflow above.
Frequently asked questions
What is the normal initial value of PSLTSCALE?
Autodesk documents an initial value of 1.
Should I set LTSCALE to the viewport scale number?
Not as a general rule. Use a consistent office linetype standard and understand PSLTSCALE/MSLTSCALE before applying large factors.
Why do linetypes need REGEN?
Some linetype display changes are not immediately recalculated in all viewports.
Explore more in CAD Scale & Viewports Guide.