Linetype generation for polylines

[lovecraft]

Here's an odd little phenomenon that I find hard to understand.  With the variable PLINEGEN set to "1" (enabled), if I generate an ordinary polyline (any random shape comprised of pline segments) its linetype generation property is listed as "enabled".  But, after drawing a rectangle (a form of polyline, after all), its linetype generation property is listed as "disabled".  Anyone care to comment?  Whassup with this?

Thanks in advance, LC

[TheCADnoob · Accepted solution]

I imagine its a feature of how the command works. If you need it to be enabled you can change your rectangle command in the cui to change the property after the rectangle after its created.

^C^C_rectang;\\.pedit;L;L;on;;

[TomBeauford · Accepted solution]

The RECTANG (Command) doesn't change the value of PLINEGEN but does set the rectangle polyline linetype generation to disabled automatically. I assume to make it look better.

[pendean · Accepted solution]

RECTANG command is not PLINE command. But POLYGON command works the way you want.
As do any LISP that use PLINE command to draw rectangles.

Odd, huh. Welcome to AutoCAD 😉

[Kent1Cooper · Accepted solution]

It's a "feature" [flaw?] of the RECTANG command specifically, which also has another similar "feature" -- it does not honor the PLINEWID setting, either.  If you have a non-zero width set for Polylines, RECTANG ignores it and draws them with zero width.

[Kent1Cooper · Accepted solution]

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@pendean wrote:
RECTANG command is not PLINE command. ....  Odd, huh. Welcome to AutoCAD

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Yes, it is odd, and unexpected for two reasons.  The first is the OP's issue, that what it draws is a Polyline, so one might expect the result to be a Polyline in the same vein as one drawn by other means.  The second reason is that other commands that are also not PLINE, but that result in Polylines, do honor the PLINEGEN setting [POLYGON as you mentioned, REVCLOUD, DONUT, and SKETCH when the Type option is Polyline].

[lovecraft]

Thanks, Kent, for your input. Your overall knowledge is mighty impressive.

[lovecraft]

Thanks again, Dean. Like Kent Cooper, your knowledge of all things ACAD is impressive.

[lovecraft]

Thanks, CADnoob, for your input. Lots of useful info from all of you follow-up posters.

[lovecraft]

Thanks for joining in this discussion. You and the other follow-up posters have given me food for thought.