How to Display Linetypes in Hatch Patterns with HPLINETYPE
HPLINETYPE determines whether newly created hatch objects can display the non-continuous linetype assigned to them. It does not change the hatch pattern itself, and changing the variable does not retroactively rebuild every existing hatch.
This feature can be useful for specialized diagrams, but combining a dense hatch with a complex text or shape linetype can create poor performance and unreadable output.
What HPLINETYPE Controls
When HPLINETYPE is disabled, hatch pattern lines are generated as continuous linework even if the hatch object or its layer has another linetype. When enabled, new hatch linework can display the assigned non-continuous pattern.
Why Hatch Pattern Lines Normally Appear Continuous
A hatch already represents a repeated graphical pattern. Applying a second repetition through a dashed or complex linetype can create visual noise and large numbers of display elements. Continuous hatch lines are therefore the safer general-purpose behavior.
Enable Non-Continuous Linetypes in Hatches
Set HPLINETYPE
Enter HPLINETYPE and set it to the enabled value before creating the test hatch. Record the original value if the change is temporary.
Create a New Hatch
Create a new associative or non-associative hatch after changing the variable. Use a simple, widely spaced hatch pattern for the first test.
Verify the Result
Assign a clearly visible dashed linetype and draw a large boundary. Run REGEN, zoom to a useful level, and check plot preview. If only old hatches remain continuous, recreate or update them as required.
Apply a Linetype to a Hatch
Assign by Layer
Place the hatch on a layer whose Linetype property is the approved pattern and keep the hatch itself ByLayer. This is the preferred standards-based method.
Assign Directly to the Hatch
A direct assignment can be used for a controlled exception, but it is easier to miss in layer audits. Document the reason and review ByLayer versus direct linetype assignment.
Existing Hatches vs. Newly Created Hatches
HPLINETYPE primarily affects hatch creation. A change to the variable may not alter line generation already stored in existing hatch objects. Test by creating a new hatch with the same boundary and properties rather than assuming the system variable failed.
Hatch Pattern Scale vs. Linetype Scale
Hatch Scale
Hatch scale controls spacing and size of the hatch definition itself, such as the distance between ANSI lines.
Linetype Scale
Linetype scale controls the dash-gap or complex sequence applied along each generated hatch line. It is a separate repetition system.
How the Two Settings Interact Visually
A tight hatch with a long linetype cycle may show only isolated dashes. A wide hatch with a very small linetype cycle can look like a field of dots. Adjust one variable at a time and preserve the project’s global scale rules from the LTSCALE guide.
Hatch Angle and Linetype Direction
The hatch angle rotates the generated hatch lines. Relative complex text and SHX shapes follow those directions, so labels can become diagonal, upside down, or crowded. Upright text rotation may help, but a text-based linetype is rarely appropriate for multi-directional hatch patterns.
Linetype Display in Associative Hatches
When an associative boundary changes, AutoCAD regenerates the hatch geometry. The assigned layer and linetype remain, but the number and length of hatch lines change, potentially moving every dash or symbol. Recheck critical output after boundary edits.
Performance Considerations
Dense Hatch Patterns
Thousands of short hatch lines multiplied by many dash elements can slow regeneration and plotting. Increase hatch spacing or use a continuous linetype where the dashed effect is not essential.
Complex Text or Shape Linetypes
Embedded text and SHX symbols substantially increase display complexity and can overlap between adjacent hatch lines. Prefer simple dash-gap definitions.
Large Drawing Areas
Split very large areas only when drawing standards permit, or use a display boundary with a simpler representation at small sheet scales.
Plotting Hatches with Non-Continuous Linetypes
Lineweight can close short gaps, and vector PDF settings can affect dense output. Use the real CTB/STB, page size, and PDF driver. Compare plot preview with the final file and consult the PDF troubleshooting guide when they differ.
Common HPLINETYPE Problems
Hatch Still Appears Continuous
Confirm that HPLINETYPE was enabled before creating the hatch, the hatch has a non-continuous linetype, and the object is large enough to show it.
Pattern Is Too Dense
Increase hatch scale or choose a shorter, simpler linetype. Do not use global scale changes to repair one specialized hatch.
Text or Shapes Overlap
Use a simple pattern, increase hatch spacing, or remove the complex linetype. A hatch is not a reliable substitute for repeated annotation blocks.
When Not to Use a Complex Linetype in a Hatch
- The hatch has multiple directions.
- The text must remain upright and searchable.
- The area is large or the hatch is dense.
- The symbols carry critical design meaning.
- The pattern must exchange reliably with other CAD or BIM software.
- A standard hatch plus separate annotation is clearer.