How to Show Hidden Line in AutoCAD Layout?

Step-by-Step Guide to Displaying Hidden Lines in AutoCAD Layout

Introduction to Hidden Lines in AutoCAD

Hidden lines, represented as medium weight lines composed of short dashes, are vital for indicating edges, surfaces, and corners that are not visible in a drawing. Recognizing how to properly display these lines in the AutoCAD layout is essential for ensuring clarity and accuracy in technical drawings.

Accessing the Desired Viewport

1. Open the Desired Drawing File: Start by launching AutoCAD and opening the file that contains the layout in which you wish to show hidden lines.

2. Select the Layout Tab: On the bottom of the AutoCAD interface, locate and click on the tab for the layout where you want the hidden lines to appear.

3. Identify the Viewport: Within your layout, select the viewport that you intend to use for displaying the hidden lines.

Configuring Hidden Line Settings

1. Input the MVIEW Command: Type MVIEW in the command prompt and hit Enter. This command allows you to modify the properties of the active viewport.

2. Adjust Shade Plot Options:

   • When prompted, type S for shadeplot options.
   • Next, type H for hidden lines.
   • Select the viewport by clicking within it. This ensures that hidden lines will be rendered as part of the visual output.
3. Confirm the Changes: After selecting the viewport and adjusting the settings, review the viewport to verify that hidden lines are now correctly displayed.

Customizing Hidden Line Appearance

1. Open the Properties Palette: With the viewport still selected, navigate to the View tab on the ribbon and click on the Palettes panel. From there, select the Properties palette.

2. Modify Shade Plot Settings: Within the Properties palette, locate the Misc section. In the Shade Plot field, ensure that it is set to “As Displayed”. This setting allows AutoCAD to render the hidden lines properly according to the settings defined.

3. Save Your Changes: Once adjustments are made, save your work to ensure that future openings of the drawing maintain the display properties you have configured.

Understanding Lineweight and Visibility

When working with hidden lines in AutoCAD, it’s crucial to also be aware of how lineweights are managed:

• Set Up Lineweight Display: To ensure that all line types, including hidden lines, are visible, enter LWDISPLAY into the command prompt and set its value to “On” (or “1”).
• Check Page Setup Options: Navigate to Page Setup and verify that the setting for Display plot styles is configured correctly, as this can override the expected line weights.

FAQs

1. Why aren’t my hidden lines displaying correctly in AutoCAD?

If hidden lines are not appearing as expected, it might be due to incorrect viewport settings or the hidden line visibility being disabled. Double-check the shade plot settings and confirm they are set to display hidden lines.

2. How can I ensure line weights are consistent throughout my drawing?

Make sure to use the LWDISPLAY command to enable line weight display and check the properties of your layers to confirm their line weights are set appropriately.

3. What steps should I take if my hidden lines appear too thick or indistinct?

If hidden lines are appearing too thick, verify that the scale settings for line weights are adjusted correctly under the Page Setup, and ensure that the plot style file being used is appropriate for your drawing needs.