Need custom linetype that includes rectangles

Hello: I need to create a custom linetype that has a continual pattern of a line and then a rectangle (see pic) .

I have a worked with custom linetypes before - but only for entering in a string of Letters (e.g. "JT") combined with dashes of lines:

*JT_1.5 PER FOOT,ESTIMATOR JT_1.5 PER FOOT

A,0.,-1.3,["JT",STANDARD,S=.4689,R=0,X=-.625,Y=-.2314],-3.7

I wanted to know what's the best approach for doing my custom linetype with the rectangle. I downloaded some instructions for creating shapes to incorporate into custom line types. is this the best approach? Maybe there's a newer, better way?

thanks,

Proctor

does it have to be a rectangle? If it can be a square there is a very easy way to it.

No newer way that I know of... a shape is probably your best bet unless you can find and want to use a font with a rectangle as a character (look in Windows Character Map), possibly Wingdings2 character code 0xFA, try using 0.

the following is my line with a square

CableSyms.lin

*Genius 1,Genius 1
A,6.5,[GENIUS_1,CableSyms.shx,S=0.5],-2

and the shape file (CableSyms.shp) looks like

*004,7,GENIUS_1
001,024,040,04C,048,024,0

I can't remember how you compile the .shx file from the .shp but I know you have to.

The problem with this approach is that if somebody used DWG True View to open a drawing and doesn't have the .lin & .shx files in their search path, they just get dashed lines. Also if you etransmit a drawing, the font file isn't picked up by default.

Having said all that, I don't know of a better way of customising line types.

I can't remember how you compile the .shx file from the .shp but I know you have to.

 

The Compile command, but I don't think you need to if you use Express Tools' Mkshape command (probably the easiest way to make a shape).

The Compile command, but I don't think you need to if you use Express Tools' Mkshape command (probably the easiest way to make a shape).

really must look at that command.

Its been some time since we needed new shapes. I must have done a good job when I set out the special ones we regularly use.

I decided to use shapes exclusively in custom linetypes, even as text (express Tools' Txtexp command comes in handy). There was a problem with text styles that had a fixed height, also obliquing issues of text in the linetypes.

Thank you everyone for all your great inputs. I started a small tutorial last night "Applying Customization: Making Complex Linetypes - Part 2:"

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=2671814&linkID=9240615

Looking over all that you have said, and seeing how my shape must be a rectangle (not a square), I think this is the way to go.

Thanks again for your help.

Proctor

You can do it with font, but the linetype is then only good for that font and not very good on curves.

Hi Eldon - looks good; however, the users will need to use it for lots of curves.

I ended up creating it by creating a rectangle shape and it came out really nice!!!

here's a pic of it:

Thanks again to all for your help.

Proctor