Overview
FireCAD assigns custom linetypes to wirepath polylines so that cable and wire type can be identified at a glance. The letters embedded in each linetype (for example, the "F" on a fire alarm cable) depend on AutoCAD's linetype scaling settings. When these scales are not set correctly, the letters do not render and the polyline appears as a plain dashed line.
This article covers the two AutoCAD system variables that control linetype display: MSLTSCALE (model space) and PSLTSCALE (paper space).
Controlling Linetype Display in Model Space
When MSLTSCALE is set incorrectly, linetype lettering does not show in model space:
To fix this:
- Type
MSLTSCALEat the command line and set the value to0. - Run
REGENorREGENALLto refresh the display.
The lettering is now visible:
Controlling Linetype Display in Paper Space
The same issue can occur in paper space viewports when PSLTSCALE is not set correctly:
To fix this:
- Activate the paper space viewport, type
PSLTSCALEat the command line, and set the value to0. - Run
REGENALLto refresh all viewports.
The lettering is now visible in paper space:
Related Articles
FireCAD is the industry-leading AutoCAD add-in for fire alarm system design — from circuit layout to wire routing to code-compliant reports.
Learn more and get started at getfirecad.com →
Inspect Point Integration — Fire alarm system device lists and bill of materials can be pushed directly from FireCAD into Inspect Point, eliminating manual data entry and ensuring every device is ready for inspection scheduling and ongoing asset management.
Learn more here →