Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Understanding Line Weights, Linetypes, and
Dimensions in Paper Space
The behavior of several AutoCAD features depends on whether you're in Paper Space or Model
Space. The most visible of these features are line weights, linetypes, and dimensions. In the fol-
lowing sections, you'll take a closer look at these features and see how to use them in conjunc-
tion with Paper Space.
Controlling and Viewing Line Weights in Paper Space
Line weights can greatly improve the readability of technical drawings. You can make impor-
tant features stand out with bold line weights while keeping the noise of smaller details from
overpowering a drawing. In architectural floor plans, walls are traditionally drawn with heavier
lines so the outline of a plan can be easily read. Other features exist in a drawing for reference
only, so they're drawn in a lighter weight than normal.
In Chapter 8, you saw how to control line weights in AutoCAD by using plot style tables. You
can apply either a named plot style table or a color plot style table to a drawing. If you already
have a library of AutoCAD drawings, you may want to use color plot style tables for backward
compatibility. AutoCAD also enables you to assign line weights directly to layers or objects and
to view the results of your line-weight settings in Paper Space.
Here's an exercise that demonstrates how to set line weights directly:
1.
Open the Layers palette (F-4).
2.
Right-click the layer list, and choose Select All.
3.
Click the Lineweight column to open the Lineweight pop-up menu (Figure 15.16).
FIGURE 15.16
The Lineweight
pop-up menu
