AutoCAD Tip – Controlling AutoCAD with the System Variable Editor.

by Dennis Collin

AutoCAD system variables cause users all kind of problems when working with AutoCAD drawings. While information can be derived from AutoCAD help, it is difficult to know what variables to search for and what settings should be applied.

Fig 1. Locating the System Variable Editor in the Express Tools Tab.

AutoCAD makes this task easier with the System Variable Editor, located in its Express Tools tab. This utility lists AutoCAD’s many system variables, it also describes what the variable does, whether the value is document or system specific and what the current and default values are.

Fig 2. LTSCALE is a critical variable in AutoCAD as it controls the size of line patterns in drawings.

Once the relevant system variable has been identified, the variable can be set with either the system variable editor or via the command prompt. Simply type in the ‘SETVAR’ command, type in the variable name and enter the required value, pressing the enter key to confirm the value.

Fig 3. Setting the LTSCALE system variable (if in doubt leave at a value of ‘1’)