Dashed Lines Look Different Between Viewports in AutoCAD
When the same dashed or center linetype looks different in viewports at different scales, check PSLTSCALE, LTSCALE, MSLTSCALE and regeneration before editing the linetype definition itself.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Make noncontinuous linetypes display predictably across different Layout viewport scales.
Where to start: Open a Layout containing two viewports that show the same dashed/center line at different scales.
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 — Confirm viewport scales
Where: Select each viewport border.
Do this: Write down each Standard Scale.
Check: You know the scale difference you are comparing.
Step 2 — Read PSLTSCALE
Where: Command line > PSLTSCALE.
Do this: Check whether the drawing uses 0 or 1.
Check: You know the Paper Space linetype rule.
Step 3 — Read LTSCALE and MSLTSCALE
Where: Command line > LTSCALE, then MSLTSCALE.
Do this: Record both values before changing anything.
Check: The current standard is documented.
Step 4 — Run REGENALL
Where: Command line > REGENALL.
Do this: Force all viewports to recalculate display.
Check: You are not diagnosing stale graphics.
Step 5 — Compare the sheet again
Where: Paper Space and Plot Preview.
Do this: Judge the dash pattern at paper scale.
Check: You know whether the problem is still present.
Step 6 — Change one setting only if required
Where: According to office standard.
Do this: Adjust the relevant variable or object linetype scale, then REGENALL again.
Check: The result is traceable and repeatable.
Beginner example
A dashed utility line looks normal in a 1:100 plan but almost continuous in a 1:20 detail. Check PSLTSCALE and REGENALL before multiplying the object’s linetype scale until it ‘looks right’.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
Different viewport magnifications affect linetype display
PSLTSCALE exists specifically to control how linetypes behave across Paper Space viewports.
Object linetype scale is another layer
An individual object can also carry a linetype scale, so compare a bad line with a known-good line on the same layer.
Preview is the real quality check
The aim is a readable plotted pattern, not merely matching the Model tab.
Useful next guides: LTSCALE / PSLTSCALE / MSLTSCALE · Multiple Viewport Scales · Plot Preview · Plotting Troubleshooting
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| One viewport looks solid | Pattern too dense at that display context | Check PSLTSCALE/LTSCALE and REGENALL. |
| Changing PSLTSCALE did nothing | Viewports not regenerated | Run REGENALL. |
| Only one line is wrong | Object-specific linetype scale differs | Compare Properties with a good object. |
| Model looks different from paper | MSLTSCALE/annotation context | Check MSLTSCALE and judge final output in Layout/Preview. |
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
Should dashed lines look identical in every viewport?
Many offices want consistent paper-space dash lengths, but the exact standard should be deliberate.
Why not just edit the LIN file?
Because the problem may be drawing/viewport scale settings rather than the linetype definition.
What command should I try after changing PSLTSCALE?
REGEN or REGENALL to refresh the linetype display.
Explore more in CAD Scale & Viewports Guide.