How to Create Linetype in AutoCAD 2020?

Understanding Linetype in AutoCAD

Linetype in AutoCAD is essentially the visual representation of how lines appear in drawings. They can consist of continuous lines, dashed lines, dots, and even alphanumeric characters, allowing for effective differentiation in designs. Adjustments can be made to line weights and linetypes depending on project specifications, enhancing communication and clarity within your drawings.

Creating a New Linetype in AutoCAD

To create a new linetype, follow these steps:

1. Access the Tools panel within the Express Tools tab located on the ribbon.
2. Select the ‘Make Linetype’ command. You will be prompted to select a linetype file.
3. Choose to create a new linetype file or select an existing one.
4. Follow the provided prompts to define the characteristics of your new linetype, such as patterns and descriptors.

Developing a Complex Linetype in AutoCAD

For more intricate designs, like complex linetypes, proceed with the following steps:

1. Create a new text style with a height of zero; this allows the style to be used without affecting its visual representation.
2. Define the linetype using the ‘S=’ notation for text height, ensuring that you specify any other necessary parameters.
3. If you adjust the text style height in the future, it will automatically influence all complex linetypes that rely on this style. Use the REGEN command to refresh your drawing and apply these changes.
4. Limit the use of this text style exclusively to the complex linetype to maintain clarity and consistency.

Importing a Linetype into Your Drawing

To import a linetype already defined in a LIN file:

1. Navigate to the Home tab, then find the Properties panel and click the Linetype drop-down list.
2. Select ‘Other’ to access the Linetype Manager dialog window.
3. In this window, click ‘Load’ and then choose the ‘File’ option.
4. Locate the desired LIN file in the Select Linetype File dialog, then click ‘Open’ to import it.

Changing the Linetype of Existing Objects

If you need to change the linetype of specific objects within your drawing, follow these steps:

1. Right-click within the drawing area and select ‘Properties’ from the context menu.
2. In the Properties palette, locate the Linetype section.
3. Click the down arrow to display a list of available linetypes and select the desired one for your objects.
4. Press ‘Esc’ to deselect and finalize the changes.

Saving Your Linetype in AutoCAD

After creating a new linetype, it is vital to save it correctly. Here’s how:

1. Type MKLTYPE in the command line or select the Make Linetype tool from the tools panel.
2. You will be prompted to specify a location for saving your new linetype file (.LIN). Choose a location like the desktop.
3. Keep the default name for your linetype file and click ‘Save’ to exit the selection window.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I create linetypes in AutoCAD LT?

No, creating complex linetypes is not supported in AutoCAD LT. However, you can create simple linetypes and provide descriptions to represent the linetype visually.

2. What types of linetypes can I create in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD allows for various types of linetypes, including solid, dashed, dotted, and text-based linetypes. You can customize linetypes according to project needs.

3. How do I draw dashed lines in AutoCAD?

To draw dashed lines, you must load the appropriate linetype in the Linetype Manager and then apply it to the lines you wish to be dashed. Make sure to zoom in closely for a clearer representation of the dashed line.