Zoom line weights in model space

[tkyler]

Hello, I am a multi-CAD user. My primary package is Vectorworks; however, as an independent engineer, I have to use AutoCAD also; however, I must admit I have tried to avoid it as much as possible. I have been a casual user since V2004.

I am not a fan of "package A vs. package B" by the way..these are simply tools to get my work done, and the one that does it the most efficient given my objectives gets the nod.

I am using AutoCAD LT 2008 to do mechanical design work...and I find it natural to try and translate the paradigm I'm used to working with in Vectorworks to AutoCAD to keep my workflow as consistent as possible.

In addition, I am doing experimentation with TurboCAD...since most of the mechanical HVAC work I do is 2D anyhow and I am incredibly surprised at the performance / dollar.

In Vectorworks and TurboCAD....There is an option that allows the line weights to be zoomed in model space...a WYSIWYG if you will. This makes it easy to visualize the output while you are working. During my experimentation, I exported a drawing from TurboCAD (which reads and writes native DWG 2008) to DWG format...as I'll be sharing DWG files with my partners.

When this imported into AutoCAD..I receive a message from AutoCAD regarding "custom objects created by an unavailable ObjectARX application". Now I'm not sure what that means...but the first thing I noticed was that as i zoomed into the drawing in model space..that the line weights did indeed zoom. I have not seen this before in AutoCAD...but it surprised me that it could be done, because I have not seen such a reference in any of the documentations.

So my question is....is this phenomenon related to the ObjectARX?...and can only be done when importing files from programs that support that feature? or is there a setting in AutoCAD LT 2008 whereby I can zoom the line weights all the time in model space.

[Benson]

1) is this phenomenon related to the ObjectARX?
Perhaps, but it is possible that AutoCAD simply flicks to "Display Lineweights" when the missing Arx is referenced

2) is there a setting in AutoCAD LT 2008 whereby I can zoom the line weights all the time in model space
Type "LINEWEIGHT" on the command line, click the "Display Lineweight" box

[tkyler]

Thanks for the reply Benson; however, that "lineweight" option only seems to activate the "display" lineweight, that is, the lineweight is the same on the screen no matter how far I zoom in or out. What I want to see in model space is the plotting line weight; however with model space not being "aware" of plot scale...I can see why this is probably not doable.

The reason I want to do this is because it alleviates previews or test plots and allows me to structure the drawings for readability while I'm designing without having to flip back and forth between paper and model space.

[hazardman]

autocad is probably displaying the "lineweights" from your file as if the lines are polylines that have widths...

as far a zooming lineweights native in/to autocad it can not be done...only with polylines...

[GE13579]

If you have your page setup done then PRE will give you a plot preview but that's all I can suggest, not quite what you're after I know... :(

[anadaday]

Go to your page setup manager > modify >

Under the ctb drop down menu there's a box you can check that reads "display plot styles" check it. You do have to have your ctb file setup though.
Make sure your LWT is ON (at the bottom of your screen next to osnap, ortho, dyn, etc..)

Hope this helps...