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Creating Your Own AutoCAD Line Type

May 29th, 2009 | 1 Comment

AutoCAD line type usualy enough for common purposes. But sometimes it’s just not enough. I like to use line type, even for drawing complex objects. It is easier, faster, dan consume less hardware resources. 

Let’s see this object below.

shrubs Creating Your Own AutoCAD Line Type

I actualy use lines to create this bushes. Only three lines. Imagine if you have to create it by using blocks then copy it several times. Takes more time. 
I’m going to discuss how we can make line type easily by using express tools. But remember, you have to have the express tools installed on your computer.

Simple Line Type
First, I’m going to create a simple line type. I draw one line, and one single line text as shown below.
cadnotes+line Creating Your Own AutoCAD Line Type

I’m going to convert those object in to one single line type.

  1. Access from AutoCAD Menu: Express>Tools>Make Linetype. Or if you are a command line fans, you can type MKLTYPE. 
  2. Type you line type file name, then click save. This file name is what you’ll see when you load the .lin file in windows dialog box.
  3. Type your line type name, then press [enter]. This line type name is what you’ll see in line type name list.
  4. Type your line type description (optional), then press [enter]. This description should be able to give you a brief description about this line type.
  5. Specify starting point and end point. In this example, I choose left end point of the line as start point. And somewhere slightly on the right of the text. 
  6. Select objects. Select them both, then press [enter].
There you go. Change the line type from properties, and try to draw lines, arc, or any other objects.

More Complex Line Type
For more complex line type, the result can be unpredictable. Most of the time, the line type will be unusable.
shrub Creating Your Own AutoCAD Line Type

I will create a line type from this AutoCAD sample block. Insert to drawing, and explode it. To create a line type from this complex geometry, we will have to create a shape file. Don’t worry, express tool also have an excelent tool to create it.

From AutoCAD menu, choose: Express>Tools>Make Shape. Or type MKSHAPE then [enter].
  1. Type the file name, then click save. 
  2. Type the shape name, then [enter].
  3. Hit [enter] to accept default resolution value. 
  4. Define the insertion point. This is the as you define insert point in block creation.
  5. Select the shrub, then [enter]. The shape is created.
Now to avoid confusion, delete the shrub. 
Type SHAPE to insert the shape we just created. Type the shape name then [enter]. Press [enter] twice to accept default value for scale and rotation. Exactly as you insert a block.
Now, create a line type from the shape. Follow the steps in creating a simple line type.
Don’t you think this is cool? ;)

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Written by Edwin Prakoso

Application Engineer. Jakarta, Indonesia. 5+ years experience as CAD engineering application. AutoCAD, MicroStation, Revit, Inventor, and certified CATIA part design specialist. Here are some topics I am currently focusing on

Filed under: AutoCAD Tips

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One Response to "Creating Your Own AutoCAD Line Type"

  1. Best of CAD Notes: 20 Most Viewed in 2009 | CAD Notes says:
    February 8, 2010 at 5:58 pm

    [...] Creating Your Own AutoCAD Line Type [...]

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