Options for creating linetypes.

[ReMark]

How do I create a custom linetype?

• Directly edit AutoCAD’s acad.lin file, or a copy thereof, using any ASCII text editor such as Notepad. You can add a new definition or copy and revise an existing definition.
• From within AutoCAD type –linetype at the command line followed by < C > for Create. Follow the prompts as they are presented. A new .lin file can be created or AutoCAD’s own acad.lin file can be appended.
• In full AutoCAD, click on Express, then Tools and select Make Linetype. Follow the prompts as they are presented.
• Use a LISP routine called MakeLT as featured in Cadalyst magazine, September, 2008 and written by Ron Perez. The code is available at the Cadalyst website www.cadalyst.com. Click on the tab CAD Tips. Search for the routine by name, Create Custom Linetype or by tip number 3011.
• Buy an aftermarket complex line generating program such as AutoLINE 2009. Available at www.autodsys.com. The software was previewed in the August, 2008 issue of Cadalyst magazine.

BTW: When new linetype definitions are added to acad.lin insert them after the heading User Defined Linetypes to ensure they will migrate successfully when upgrading to a future version of AutoCAD.

Note that if you have a duplicate linetype definition residing in the User Defined Linetypes section of the file it will take precedence over a definition found in the beginning of the file. Consider it to be like an override.

This link will take you directly to CAD Tips. http://cadtips.cadalyst.com/
The link mentioned above will take you to the homepage of Cadalyst magazine. If you haven’t got this website on your Favorites list you should remedy that oversight immediately.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go out and create some custom linetypes and have some fun in the process.

Update 11/30/10

Ron Perez updated his lisp routine, mentioned above, in June of 2010. The new lisp routine is named makelt2.lsp and can be downloaded from the Cadalyst website. It is Tip# 3011.

[Dipali]

I have never created a custom linetype before but your tutorial motivates me to do so. so hopefully i will do it next few days
Thanks


PS: you crossedd it, congrates

[lpseifert]

Here's a cool routine for making linetypes w/text 'on the fly'... compliments of D. Marker

<edit> IIRC I edited the code to use a text style named SIMPLEX, you need to make a text style with that name or edit the code to use a text style of your choosing (e.g. STANDARD)

[ReMark]

Not exactly a tutorial, per se, but the thanks are appreciated Dipali.

And I see that lpseifert has added yet another option. Thanks. That should give questioners a good place to start.

[BOB'27T]

Here's a cool routine for making linetypes w/text 'on the fly'... compliments of D. Marker

<edit> IIRC I edited the code to use a text style named SIMPLEX, you need to make a text style with that name or edit the code to use a text style of your choosing (e.g. STANDARD)

I loaded this lisp, but when I specify a name and hit enter, the command disappears. What am I missing?

[ReMark]

Credit for this suggestion goes to lpseifert once again.

LinOut.lsp - Exports linetype definition (including shape and text info) from an AutoCAD drawing. File sile is 12KB. This LISP routine can be downloaded from:

http://www.xanadu.cz/en/download.asp?file=LinOut

A handy routine to have when a client or a subcontractor sends you a drawing with a custom linetype in it but neglects to send you the actual linetype definition file. This routine extracts that information for you.

[ademontis]

Hi buddies, i used the Linout but it generates an empty file... or better, it only contains this:

; Linetypes exported by LinOut.lsp from C:\DISCO D\P008[1].lin
;
; LINOUT by CAD Studio - www.cadstudio.cz
;

but no definition :-\

[ReMark]

Post a sample drawing with the linetype that you want to extract in it so someone here can test the lisp routine. Thanks.

[Ivan006]

Here's a cool routine for making linetypes w/text 'on the fly'... compliments of D. Marker

<edit> IIRC I edited the code to use a text style named SIMPLEX, you need to make a text style with that name or edit the code to use a text style of your choosing (e.g. STANDARD)

I'm trying out this lisp, and it's not working. I'm loading it in AutoCAD 2010, is that why it doesn't work?

[ReMark]

I have no idea why it won't work. I've never tested it either.

Can you post an image showing what the linetype you are trying to create looks like?