So far my “Linetypes the Super Simple Way” series has covered creating a simple dashed linetype and creating shapes for a linetype. In this post I’m going to continue the series by exploring how to create a linetype using the shape we created earlier. Although the actual linetype is still defined within a .lin file; a linetype with a shape or text within its definition is called a ‘complex linetype’. I’ll cover adding text to linetypes in a later post, but for now we’ll remain focused on shapes within linetypes.
Before we get too far, its worth mentioning AutoCAD LT can read shapes (symbols) used within linetype definitions, but it cannot create or load linetypes independently. Therefore AutoCAD LT users won’t be able to complete the steps outlined in this post to create their own complex linetype, however the end product (.lin referencing a .shp) will be compatible with AutoCAD LT.
Creating a Linetype with Shapes (Symbols)
1. Draw a line that will be used as the foundation for your linetype. I’ve chosen to make this linetype 0.5” long; remember this length will be multiplied by your LTSCALE.
2. Like blocks, AutoCAD shapes have to be inserted into your drawing before they can be used. Use the LOAD command to bring a shape into your drawing.
3. The shape I created in my last post was named SF for Silt Fence. Use the SHAPE command to insert it. At the Enter Shape Name prompt, enter SF (name of the shape previously created).
4. Use Osnap’s to place the shape on the line drawn in step 1.
5. Enter a height (scale) and rotation for the shape. In this example, I’ll accept the default height of 1, and a rotation of 0.
The shape is placed on the line.
6. Finally, I’ll use the already mentioned MKLTYPE command to create a linetype out of the line and shape I’ve drawn.
7. Once defined, draw a line using the newly created linetype.
How can you place your complex linetype into acad.lin file to use in all of future drawings? when pasting into acad.lin it is ok. however when loading into linetype manager it comes up with error on line 57 or whatever and will not load linetype. how can I fix this issue. the linetype works fine in the original file it was created in, except when loading into linetype manager.
thanks for any help
Has anyone ever created a custom linetype for a sawcut?
I need to show in different colors, Is that possible???
Good Stuff!!! Now tell me how to do the same thing with Revit… :-/
How do you bring that linetype into AutoCAD LT?
Wow Donnie, thank you so much for this. It was incredibly helpful. I almost gave up on creating my custom linetype after reading the AutoCAD help file, but then I found your post, and voila!
CAN WE BRING COMPLEX LINE TYPES WITH SHAPES TO OTHER PC
thanks so much , that was really helpful.
i need to do a linetype that looks almost like the post below (brian lowell’s) but instead of the space between the rectangles shown, i need a similar rectangle with a solid hatch inside (filled rectangle). is that possible??!?
This post was a life saver! I used it to create a fire lane linetype with the box shape repeated and no line. Very helpful. My new line ype looks like this “[] [] [] [] [] [] [] []”
Thank you SO much! This worked like a charm.