# LINETYPE in AutoCAD

> How AutoCAD's LINETYPE (LT) works: the current linetype for new objects, the linetypes loaded, ByLayer, and why a dashed line can show solid. Try it free.

LINETYPE sets the linetype new objects are drawn with. AutoCAD opens the Linetype Manager; MellowCAD has none yet, so LINETYPE runs the command-line form AutoCAD has too, `-LINETYPE`. It says the current linetype, `ByLayer` at first, and asks for an option again after each answer, until Enter ends it. ByLayer means each object takes its layer's linetype; a linetype named instead is the object's own. The whole run is one step that `U` takes back, and typed with an apostrophe inside a command, its linetype applies to what that command draws next.

Every drawing has six linetypes loaded: Continuous and, from AutoCAD's metric file acadiso.lin, DASHED, HIDDEN, CENTER, PHANTOM and DASHDOT. A pattern is laid on each line as AutoCAD lays it, centred along its length with equal dashes at both ends.

- **Command:** `LINETYPE`
- **Aliases:** `LT`, `LTYPE`, `DDLTYPE`
- **Panel:** [Organize](https://mellowcad.com/docs/commands.md#organize)
- **Try it:** [Open the editor](/draw), type `LT` and press Enter.

## At the command line

The engine draws it and writes its history as you would type it: the prompts in AutoCAD 2027's order, with the same option letters.

A plate whose hole is drawn with HIDDEN current and its two axes with CENTER, then LINETYPE set back to ByLayer.

```text
Command: LINETYPE
Current line type:  "ByLayer"
Enter an option [?/Set]: S
Specify linetype name or [?] <ByLayer>: HIDDEN
Enter an option [?/Set]:
Command: CIRCLE
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: 50,30
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: 18
Command: LINETYPE
Current line type:  "Hidden"
Enter an option [?/Set]: S
Specify linetype name or [?] <Hidden>: CENTER
Enter an option [?/Set]:
Command: LINE
Specify first point: -10,30
Specify next point or [Undo]: @120,0
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command: LINE
Specify first point: 50,-10
Specify next point or [Undo]: @0,80
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command: LINETYPE
Current line type:  "Center"
Enter an option [?/Set]: S
Specify linetype name or [?] <Center>: BYL
Enter an option [?/Set]:
```

## Options

### `?`

Lists linetypes in two columns, name and description. At the option prompt, the linetypes of acadiso.lin; at Set's prompt, those loaded in the drawing whose names match what you type, all of them with `*`.

### `Set` (`S`)

Asks the linetype's name, offering the current one; type a loaded linetype's name, or `BYLayer`. A name that is not loaded is not found, as AutoCAD says it, and the option prompt comes back; Enter keeps the current one.

## What it does not do yet

The Linetype Manager, and loading, creating or describing linetypes: only the six above exist, and the listing describes only Continuous. A linetype scale for each object (CELTSCALE): only the drawing's, `LTSCALE`. ByBlock. PSLTSCALE and MSLTSCALE, as there is no paper space. Spanish AutoCAD's linetype names: they are English here in every language. PLINEGEN: a new polyline starts its pattern again at each vertex, unless PEDIT's Ltype gen turns it on.

[What it does and still lacks, in detail (in English)](https://github.com/ovelilla/mellowcad/blob/main/docs/coverage/properties.md#linetypes--ltscale--lts--linetype--lt--ltype--ddltype---linetype---lt---ltype--es-escalatl--ec--tipolin--tl--tlinea--ddltype---tipolin---tl---tlinea--pt-br-escalatl--etl--tipolinha--tl--ddltype---tipolinha---tl)

## Questions

### What is the shortcut for LINETYPE in AutoCAD?

`LT`, then Enter or Space; `LTYPE` and `DDLTYPE` too. The full name works as well, and `_LINETYPE` in any language of AutoCAD.

### Why does my dashed line show as a solid line?

A line shorter than one repeat of its pattern is drawn solid, as in AutoCAD: CENTER's pattern is about 51 units long at the default scale. Raise or lower `LTSCALE` to fit the pattern to the drawing. Check, too, that the object's linetype, or its layer's when it is ByLayer, is not Continuous.

### How do I change the linetype of an existing object?

Select it and choose the linetype in the Linetype row of the Properties palette, or copy it from another object with [`MATCHPROP`](https://mellowcad.com/docs/commands/matchprop.md). LINETYPE only sets the linetype of objects drawn after it.

### How do I change the linetype scale in AutoCAD?

Type `LTSCALE` and the new factor: 2 makes every dash twice as long, in the whole drawing.

## Related commands

- [LTSCALE](https://mellowcad.com/docs/commands.md#ltscale): Linetype scale
- [LAYER in AutoCAD](https://mellowcad.com/docs/commands/layer.md)
- [LWEIGHT in AutoCAD](https://mellowcad.com/docs/commands/lweight.md)
- [PROPERTIES in AutoCAD](https://mellowcad.com/docs/commands/properties.md)