AutoCAD default linetypes usualy enough for common purposes. But sometimes it’s just not enough sometimes we need to have our own. The problem is creating custom linetype can be difficult to do. But if you have express tools installed, creating custom linetype can be very easy.
I like to use it, even for drawing complex objects. It is easier, faster, dan consume less hardware resources.
Let’s see this object below.
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 custom linetype easily. But remember, you have to have the express tools installed on your computer.
If you don’t have it, you need to install it first. See how you can add the Express Tools installation later here. It was for AutoCAD 2002, but still apply for later version.
Creating linetype that contains simple objects
First, I’m going to create a simple one. I draw one line, and one single line text as shown below.
I’m going to convert those object in to a custom linetype.
- Access from ribbon or AutoCAD Menu: Express>Tools>Make Linetype. Or if you are a command line fans, you can type MKLTYPE.
- 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.
- Type your linetype name, then press [enter]. This line type name is what you’ll see in the name list.
- Type your line type description (optional), then press [enter]. This description should be able to give you a brief description about this line type.
- 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.
- Select objects. Select them both, then press [enter].
There you go. Change the linetype properties, and try to draw lines, arc, or any other objects.
Linetype that contains more complex objects
If you have complex object in the definition, the result can be unpredictable. Most of the time, the definition will be unusable.
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 ribbon (or menu), choose: Express>Tools>Make Shape. Or type MKSHAPE then [enter].
- Type the file name, then click save.
- Type the shape name, then [enter].
- Hit [enter] to accept default resolution value.
- Define the insertion point. This is the as you define insert point in block creation.
- 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?