Complex Linetypes with Shapes the Super Simple Way

Line drawn using linetype 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 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.

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.
0.5 inch line

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.
Select Shape File

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.
Insertion Point

5. Enter a height (scale) and rotation for the shape. In this example I’ll accept the default height of 1, and rotation of 0.
Shape inserted on line 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.
Selecting Objects

7. Once defined, draw a line using the newly created linetype.

Line drawn using linetype

Linetypes the Super Simple Way Series

  1. Custom Linetypes the Super Simple Way
  2. Shapes for Linetypes the Super Simple Way
  3. Complex Linetypes with Shapes the Super Simple Way
  4. Text in Linetypes the Super Simple Way
About Donnie Gladfelter
