Understanding CELTSCALE: How Individual Object Linetype Scale Works

Linetypes such as Dashed, Hidden, Center, and Phantom are built from repeating patterns of dashes, dots, spaces, text, or symbols.

AutoCAD must scale these patterns so they remain readable at the size used in the drawing.

Several variables influence the final appearance:

  • LTSCALE controls the global linetype scale for the drawing.
  • CELTSCALE defines the individual linetype scale assigned to new objects.
  • PSLTSCALE affects linetype display through layout viewports.
  • MSLTSCALE relates model-space linetype display to the annotation scale.
  • CENTERLTSCALE controls the pattern scale of dedicated centerline and center mark objects.

A common problem occurs when existing objects display correctly but newly drawn lines have longer, shorter, or denser dash patterns. In many cases, the cause is an unexpected CELTSCALE value.

What Is CELTSCALE in AutoCAD?

CELTSCALE is an AutoCAD system variable that sets the current object linetype scale factor.

When a new object is created, AutoCAD assigns the current CELTSCALE value to that object’s Linetype scale property.

The default value is:

1.0000

CELTSCALE is saved in the drawing. Different DWG files can therefore contain different values.

The variable does not select a linetype, load a .LIN file, or modify the linetype definition itself. It only controls the scale multiplier assigned to newly created objects.

For example:

CELTSCALE Result for new objects
0.25 Very small and dense linetype pattern
0.5 Pattern displayed at half the normal object scale
1 Standard object linetype scale
2 Pattern displayed at twice the normal object scale
5 Large dashes and wide gaps

AutoCAD only accepts a positive, non-zero real number.

A value of 0 or a negative number cannot be assigned. AutoCAD rejects it and displays a message similar to:

Requires a positive non-zero real number.

What CELTSCALE Controls

CELTSCALE controls the individual linetype scale assigned to new objects.

It can affect objects such as:

  • Lines
  • Polylines
  • Arcs
  • Circles
  • Ellipses
  • Splines
  • Other objects that support the standard Linetype scale property

When an object is created, AutoCAD stores the current CELTSCALE value inside that object.

This means that two objects can:

  • Be on the same layer
  • Use the same linetype
  • Have the same color
  • Have the same lineweight

and still display different dash patterns because their individual Linetype scale values are different.

CELTSCALE Does Not Modify Existing Objects

Changing CELTSCALE affects only objects created after the change.

Consider the following sequence:

  1. Set CELTSCALE to 1.
  2. Draw Line A.
  3. Set CELTSCALE to 2.
  4. Draw Line B.
  5. Set CELTSCALE to 0.5.
  6. Draw Line C.

The result is:

Object CELTSCALE when created Stored Linetype scale
Line A 1 1
Line B 2 2
Line C 0.5 0.5

Changing CELTSCALE again does not update these three lines.

To correct an existing object, you must edit its Linetype scale property directly.

How CELTSCALE Works with LTSCALE

LTSCALE controls the global linetype scale for the entire drawing.

CELTSCALE controls the object-level multiplier assigned when a new object is created.

The effective scale is based on this relationship:

Effective linetype scale = LTSCALE × Object Linetype Scale

For a newly created object, the initial Object Linetype Scale normally comes from CELTSCALE.

Examples:

LTSCALE Object Linetype Scale Effective Scale
1 1 1
1 2 2
1 0.5 0.5
0.5 2 1
2 0.5 1
10 0.25 2.5

A higher effective scale normally produces longer dashes and wider gaps.

A lower effective scale normally produces shorter dashes and smaller gaps.

For example:

LTSCALE = 0.5
CELTSCALE = 2

The effective scale for a new object is:

0.5 × 2 = 1

This object displays with the same effective scale as an object created with both values set to 1.

CELTSCALE vs LTSCALE

CELTSCALE and LTSCALE affect the same linetype pattern, but they operate at different levels.

Setting CELTSCALE LTSCALE
Main purpose Sets object scale for new objects Sets global drawing scale
Scope Newly created objects Entire drawing
Changes existing object properties No No
Changes the appearance of existing objects No direct change Yes
Saved in the drawing Yes Yes
Typical standard value 1 Depends on project setup
Best use Controlled object-level scaling Drawing-wide linetype adjustment

Use LTSCALE when all patterned linetypes in the drawing need to become larger or smaller.

Use an object Linetype scale override when only specific objects require a different pattern size.

For one isolated object, it is usually better to edit its property directly instead of changing CELTSCALE.

CELTSCALE vs the Object Linetype Scale Property

CELTSCALE is a current drawing setting.

The Linetype scale property is stored inside each object.

The process is simple:

  1. CELTSCALE defines the current value.
  2. You create an object.
  3. AutoCAD copies the value into the object’s Linetype scale property.
  4. The object retains that value.
  5. Later CELTSCALE changes affect only future objects.

For example, if CELTSCALE is 3 when a line is created, that line receives:

Linetype scale = 3

If CELTSCALE is later reset to 1, the existing line remains at 3.

How to Check, Change, and Reset CELTSCALE

To check the current value:

CELTSCALE

AutoCAD displays the current setting at the command line.

To change it:

CELTSCALE
0.5

New objects created afterward receive an individual scale of 0.5.

To return to the standard value:

CELTSCALE
1

After changing linetype settings, run:

REGENALL

A common reset sequence is:

CELTSCALE
1
REGENALL

This resets the current value for future objects, but it does not repair objects that already contain another Linetype scale value.

How to Change the Linetype Scale of Existing Objects

To correct existing objects:

  1. Select the objects.
  2. Open the Properties palette.
  3. Locate Linetype scale.
  4. Enter the required value.
  5. Run REGEN or REGENALL.

A value of 1 removes the additional object-level multiplier in most standard drawings.

You can edit several objects at the same time if they support the same property.

Use QSELECT to Find Objects with an Incorrect Linetype Scale

In large drawings, selecting objects manually can be slow.

The QSELECT command, called Quick Select, can help find objects with a specific Linetype scale value.

A typical workflow is:

  1. Type QSELECT.
  2. Choose the required object type, such as Line or Polyline.
  3. Select Linetype scale as the property.
  4. Choose an operator such as Not equal.
  5. Enter 1.
  6. Confirm the selection.
  7. Open Properties.
  8. Reset the Linetype scale to 1.

This method is useful for locating objects that were created while CELTSCALE had an incorrect value.

Depending on the AutoCAD language version, the command may appear under a localized name such as SELECTRAP, but the global command _QSELECT can normally be used.

Practical CELTSCALE Examples

Making New Dashed Lines Smaller

Suppose the drawing uses:

LTSCALE = 1
CELTSCALE = 1

The dashed pattern is too large for a small detail.

Change CELTSCALE to:

CELTSCALE = 0.5

New objects will display shorter dashes and smaller gaps.

Existing objects will remain unchanged.

Making New Patterns Larger

Suppose:

LTSCALE = 1
CELTSCALE = 2

New objects will display patterned linetypes at twice the standard object scale.

This can be useful for large objects that require wider spacing between dashes.

Compensating for a Large Global Scale

Suppose the drawing uses:

LTSCALE = 10

To create a new object with an effective scale of 1, CELTSCALE could be set to:

CELTSCALE = 0.1

The result is:

10 × 0.1 = 1

This works technically, but it may make the drawing harder to understand.

A cleaner CAD standard normally avoids compensating for global settings with many object-level overrides.

Different Object Scales in One Drawing

Some drawings may require different scale values for different objects.

Object Individual Linetype Scale
Property boundary 2
Utility line 1
Hidden mechanical detail 0.5
Small component 0.25

These overrides can improve readability, but they should be used deliberately and documented when necessary.

CELTSCALE and Blocks

Blocks require special attention because the objects inside a block definition keep their own properties.

If a block was created with:

  • Internal objects using a Linetype scale other than 1
  • A nonstandard CELTSCALE value during block creation
  • Direct linetype assignments
  • Forced object-level overrides

changing CELTSCALE in the host drawing will not correct those internal objects.

The block reference may be inserted into a drawing with correct global settings, while the linetypes inside the block still appear too large or too small.

To correct the problem:

  1. Open the block in Block Editor with BEDIT.
  2. Select the internal objects.
  3. Check their Linetype scale values.
  4. Reset them if required.
  5. Save the block definition.
  6. Run REGENALL.

You may also need to inspect nested blocks.

A block can contain another block whose internal objects also have forced scale values.

For standardized block libraries, internal geometry should normally use:

Linetype scale = 1

unless a different value is intentionally required.

Copying Objects Between Drawings

When an object is copied from Drawing A to Drawing B using commands such as:

CTRL+C
CTRL+V

the object retains its own individual Linetype scale property.

However, it is displayed using the LTSCALE value of Drawing B.

For example:

  • Drawing A uses LTSCALE = 1.
  • The copied object has Linetype scale = 2.
  • Drawing B uses LTSCALE = 10.

After pasting, the effective scale becomes:

10 × 2 = 20

The linetype may therefore look very different in the destination drawing, even though the object property did not change.

When copied objects display incorrectly, compare:

  • The object Linetype scale
  • LTSCALE in the source drawing
  • LTSCALE in the destination drawing
  • Drawing units
  • The loaded linetype definition

CELTSCALE, PSLTSCALE, MSLTSCALE, and CENTERLTSCALE

Several variables can affect the final appearance of patterned linetypes.

Variable Main purpose Scope
CELTSCALE Sets the Linetype scale property for new objects New objects
LTSCALE Sets the global linetype scale Entire drawing
PSLTSCALE Controls linetype scaling through layout viewports Paper space
MSLTSCALE Relates model-space linetypes to annotation scale Model space
CENTERLTSCALE Controls scale for dedicated center objects CENTERLINE and CENTERMARK objects

CELTSCALE establishes an object property.

LTSCALE applies a global multiplier.

PSLTSCALE and MSLTSCALE influence how linetypes appear in model space and layouts.

CENTERLTSCALE applies specifically to centerline and center mark objects created with the dedicated AutoCAD commands.

CELTSCALE and PSLTSCALE

PSLTSCALE controls how patterned linetypes appear through layout viewports.

When PSLTSCALE is enabled, AutoCAD can display linetypes consistently in paper-space units, even when viewports use different scales.

PSLTSCALE does not replace CELTSCALE or LTSCALE.

The final display can still depend on:

  • The linetype definition
  • LTSCALE
  • The object Linetype scale
  • PSLTSCALE
  • Viewport scale
  • Regeneration status

If a linetype looks correct in model space but wrong in a layout, CELTSCALE may not be the main cause.

CELTSCALE and MSLTSCALE

MSLTSCALE controls whether model-space linetypes are scaled according to the current annotation scale.

The two variables serve different purposes:

  • CELTSCALE controls the value assigned to new objects.
  • MSLTSCALE controls model-space display behavior.

An object can keep the same Linetype scale property while its visual appearance changes after the annotation scale is modified.

Drawing Units, MEASUREMENT, and Linetype Files

Metric and imperial linetype definitions use different pattern dimensions.

AutoCAD commonly uses:

acad.lin

for imperial definitions and:

acadiso.lin

for metric definitions.

The MEASUREMENT system variable helps determine whether the drawing uses metric or imperial hatch and linetype definition files.

Typical values are:

MEASUREMENT Drawing type
0 Imperial
1 Metric

The initial drawing environment can also be influenced by MEASUREINIT, especially when creating a new drawing without a template.

If a metric drawing loads an imperial linetype definition, or the opposite, the pattern can appear much too large or too small.

Before adjusting CELTSCALE, verify:

  • Drawing units
  • MEASUREMENT
  • MEASUREINIT when relevant
  • The .LIN file used to load the linetype
  • The project’s unit standard

When a linetype does not display correctly, check the settings in this order.

1. Verify the Assigned Linetype

Confirm that the object or its layer uses the intended linetype.

An object using Continuous will not display a dashed pattern.

2. Check the Object Linetype Scale

Select the object and inspect its Linetype scale property.

Compare it with a nearby object that displays correctly.

3. Check CELTSCALE

Type:

CELTSCALE

An unexpected value such as 0.01, 10, or 100 can explain why new objects do not match existing ones.

4. Check LTSCALE

Type:

LTSCALE

An unsuitable global value can make every patterned linetype too small or too large.

5. Check PSLTSCALE

If the problem appears in a layout, verify PSLTSCALE and regenerate the drawing.

6. Check MSLTSCALE

If the pattern changes with the annotation scale in model space, inspect MSLTSCALE.

7. Check CENTERLTSCALE

If the affected object was created with CENTERLINE or CENTERMARK, inspect CENTERLTSCALE.

8. Check Blocks

Open the block definition and inspect the properties of its internal geometry.

9. Check Units and Linetype Definitions

Verify MEASUREMENT, drawing units, and the .LIN source file.

10. Regenerate the Drawing

Run:

REGENALL

Common CELTSCALE Problems and Solutions

New Objects Do Not Match Existing Objects

Cause: The current CELTSCALE value differs from the Linetype scale stored in older objects.

Solution:

CELTSCALE
1

Then correct the existing objects through Properties or QSELECT.

Changing CELTSCALE Does Nothing

Cause: CELTSCALE does not modify existing objects.

Solution: Create a new test object or edit the Linetype scale property of the existing geometry.

Dashed Lines Look Continuous

Possible causes include:

  • The object is too short to display a complete pattern.
  • The Linetype scale is too small or too large.
  • LTSCALE is unsuitable.
  • The wrong linetype is assigned.
  • The drawing needs regeneration.
  • The wrong metric or imperial .LIN file was used.

Try comparing object scale values such as:

0.5
1
2

Then run:

REGENALL

Dashed Lines Have Extremely Long Gaps

A large global scale combined with a large object scale can produce an excessive result.

For example:

LTSCALE = 10
Object Linetype Scale = 5

The effective scale is:

50

Reduce the object scale, LTSCALE, or both.

Copied Objects Look Different in the Destination Drawing

Cause: The object retains its individual Linetype scale, but the destination drawing applies its own LTSCALE.

Solution: Compare the global and object values in both drawings.

Objects Inside a Block Still Look Wrong

Cause: Internal block geometry contains forced Linetype scale values.

Solution: Edit the block definition with BEDIT and correct the internal objects.

Linetypes Differ Between Model Space and Layouts

Check:

  • LTSCALE
  • Object Linetype scale
  • PSLTSCALE
  • MSLTSCALE
  • Annotation scale
  • Viewport scale
  • REGENALL

CELTSCALE Keeps Returning to an Unexpected Value

CELTSCALE is saved in the drawing.

The value may come from:

  • A DWT template
  • An existing DWG file
  • An AutoLISP routine
  • A script
  • A macro
  • A startup routine
  • A custom tool palette command

Open a blank drawing from the same template and check CELTSCALE. If the value is already incorrect, update the template.

When Should You Change CELTSCALE?

Changing CELTSCALE can be useful when several new objects must intentionally use the same nonstandard scale.

Examples include:

  • Small details that require denser dash patterns
  • Large site objects that need wider spacing
  • Hidden lines inside a mechanical detail
  • A controlled group of objects copied from another standard
  • Testing different object-level scale factors

After creating those objects, reset CELTSCALE to 1 unless the drawing standard requires another value.

For isolated objects, edit the Linetype scale property directly instead.

When CELTSCALE Should Remain at 1

Keep CELTSCALE at 1 when:

  • The drawing follows a company CAD standard.
  • Multiple users edit the same file.
  • Linetype scale is managed globally.
  • The file will be used as a template.
  • Objects are copied between several projects.
  • Automated quality checks expect standard values.
  • Object-level overrides are not required.

A value of 1 keeps the drawing easier to inspect, exchange, and maintain.

A consistent workflow prevents unexpected linetype differences.

Use CELTSCALE = 1 as the Baseline

CELTSCALE
1

Control General Pattern Size with LTSCALE

Use LTSCALE for drawing-wide adjustments.

Avoid using many object-level multipliers to compensate for an incorrect global setting.

Use Object Overrides Only When Necessary

For one or two objects, edit the Linetype scale property directly.

Reset CELTSCALE After Temporary Changes

Return CELTSCALE to 1 after creating the required objects.

Inspect Blocks and Imported Geometry

Check block definitions and copied objects for stored scale overrides.

Include CELTSCALE in CAD Audits

Check Recommended result
CELTSCALE 1, unless documented
Object Linetype scale Consistent values
LTSCALE Matches project scale and units
PSLTSCALE Matches layout workflow
MSLTSCALE Matches annotation workflow
CENTERLTSCALE Matches centerline standard
MEASUREMENT Matches metric or imperial setup
Block geometry No unintended scale overrides
REGENALL Completed after changes

Configure CELTSCALE in a Drawing Template

Before saving a .DWT file:

  1. Set CELTSCALE to 1.
  2. Verify LTSCALE.
  3. Verify PSLTSCALE.
  4. Verify MSLTSCALE.
  5. Verify CENTERLTSCALE.
  6. Check MEASUREMENT.
  7. Load the approved metric or imperial linetypes.
  8. Draw test objects.
  9. Inspect them in model space.
  10. Inspect them through a layout viewport.
  11. Test a standard block.
  12. Run REGENALL.
  13. Save the template.

This prevents incorrect linetype values from spreading to future drawings.

Quick Reference

Question Answer
What does CELTSCALE control? The Linetype scale assigned to new objects
What is the default value? 1.0000
Can CELTSCALE be zero? No
Can CELTSCALE be negative? No
Does it change existing objects? No
Is it saved in the drawing? Yes
Does it work with LTSCALE? Yes
How are existing objects corrected? Edit their Linetype scale property
How can incorrect objects be selected quickly? Use QSELECT
Do copied objects retain their scale? Yes
Which LTSCALE applies after pasting? The destination drawing’s LTSCALE
Does CELTSCALE fix internal block objects? No
Which variable relates to metric or imperial definitions? MEASUREMENT
Which command refreshes the display? REGEN or REGENALL

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is CELTSCALE in AutoCAD?

CELTSCALE is the system variable that defines the current individual linetype scale assigned to new objects.

What Is the Default CELTSCALE Value?

The default value is:

1.0000

Can CELTSCALE Be Set to Zero?

No. AutoCAD requires a positive, non-zero real number.

Does CELTSCALE Affect Existing Objects?

No. Existing objects retain the Linetype scale value stored when they were created or last edited.

What Is the Difference Between CELTSCALE and LTSCALE?

CELTSCALE sets the object scale for new objects.

LTSCALE applies a global multiplier throughout the drawing.

Why Do New Dashed Lines Look Different from Existing Lines?

The current CELTSCALE value may differ from the individual Linetype scale stored in the existing objects.

How Do I Correct Many Objects at Once?

Use QSELECT to locate objects with a Linetype scale different from the required value, then edit them together through Properties.

What Happens When an Object Is Copied to Another Drawing?

The object keeps its individual Linetype scale but uses the destination drawing’s LTSCALE.

Why Do Linetypes Inside a Block Still Look Wrong?

The internal block objects may contain their own forced Linetype scale values. Edit the block definition and inspect the internal geometry.

Does CELTSCALE Control Layout Viewport Scaling?

No. Layout viewport behavior is mainly controlled by PSLTSCALE and the viewport configuration.

Which Variable Determines Metric or Imperial Linetype Definitions?

MEASUREMENT helps determine whether AutoCAD uses metric or imperial hatch and linetype definition files.

Should CELTSCALE Always Be Set to 1?

Not always, but 1 is the recommended standard value for most drawings.

Use another value only when a group of new objects intentionally requires a different scale.

Conclusion

CELTSCALE controls the individual linetype scale assigned to new AutoCAD objects.

It does not modify existing geometry, and it does not replace LTSCALE, PSLTSCALE, MSLTSCALE, or CENTERLTSCALE.

The main points are:

  • CELTSCALE affects new objects only.
  • The default value is 1.
  • Zero and negative values are not allowed.
  • Existing objects retain their stored Linetype scale.
  • Copied objects keep their individual scale but use the destination drawing’s LTSCALE.
  • Block geometry may contain internal scale overrides that must be corrected inside the block definition.
  • QSELECT can locate objects with nonstandard scale values.
  • MEASUREMENT helps determine whether metric or imperial linetype definitions are used.
  • CELTSCALE = 1 is the safest baseline for most CAD standards.

When new and existing objects do not display the same pattern, check CELTSCALE, the object’s Linetype scale, LTSCALE, block content, drawing units, and viewport-related settings in that order.

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