Creating your own AutoCAD linetype by changing the lin file

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create your own custom linetype in AutoCAD by modifying a .LIN file. This process allows for greater variation and personalization in your drawings, enhancing their visual appeal and functionality. The steps outlined here apply to both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, making it accessible for all users.

Step 1: Locate the LIN File

• Find the existing .LIN file you wish to modify. This file contains the definitions for the linetypes in AutoCAD.
• Common locations for the .LIN file include:
  • AutoCAD's installation directory
  • A custom folder where your linetypes are stored

Step 2: Open the LIN File for Editing

• Use a text editor such as Notepad or Notepad++ to open the .LIN file.
• Ensure you have a backup of the original .LIN file before making any changes. This prevents loss of data in case of errors.

Step 3: Understand the LIN File Structure

• A typical linetype definition consists of several components:
  • Name: The identifier for your linetype.
  • Description: A brief explanation of what the linetype represents.
  • Pattern: The sequence of dashes and spaces that defines the visual representation of the linetype.

Example of a simple linetype entry:

*DASHED, Dashed line
A,.5,-.25

Here, A indicates the pattern, .5 is the length of the dash, and -.25 is the length of the gap.

Step 4: Create a New Linetype

• To create a new linetype, add a new line at the end of the .LIN file.
• Follow the structure used in existing linetypes, changing the name and pattern to suit your needs.

Example of creating a new linetype:

*MYDASH, My Custom Dashed Line
A,.75,-.25

Step 5: Save and Close the LIN File

• After adding your new linetype, save the changes in your text editor.
• Close the editor to ensure the file is properly released for AutoCAD to access.

Step 6: Load the New Linetype in AutoCAD

• Open AutoCAD and enter the command LINETYPE in the command line.
• In the Linetype Manager, click on "Load".
• Browse to the location of your modified .LIN file and select your new linetype to load it into your drawing.

Step 7: Apply the New Linetype

• Select the objects in your drawing that you want to apply the new linetype to.
• Open the Properties palette and change the linetype to your newly created option.
• Confirm that the new linetype displays as expected in your drawing.

Conclusion

Creating custom linetypes in AutoCAD is a straightforward process that enhances your design flexibility. By modifying the .LIN file, you can introduce unique patterns that suit your project's needs. Always remember to keep backups of your original files and test your new linetypes in a sample drawing before applying them broadly. Now that you're familiar with this process, you can explore even more advanced modifications and improve your AutoCAD skills further.