Creating Your Own AutoCAD Line Type

May 29, 2009 by Edwin Prakoso 44 Comments

AutoCAD default linetypes are usually enough for everyday purposes. But sometimes it’s just not enough sometimes we need to have our own. The problem is creating custom line type can be difficult to do. But if you have express tools installed, creating custom line type can be very easy.

I like to use it, even for drawing complex objects. It is easier, faster, and consumes fewer hardware resources than using simple objects.

Let’s see this object below.

I use lines to create this bushes. Only three lines. Imagine if you have to create it by using blocks then copy it several times. It could takes some time.

I’m going to discuss how we can make custom line type quickly. 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 will work the same for the later version.

Creating line type 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 to a custom line type.

Access from ribbon or AutoCAD Menu: Express>Tools>Make Linetype. Or if you are a command line fans, you can type MKLTYPE.
Type your 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 line type 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 a start point. And somewhere slightly on the right of the text.
Select objects. Select them both, then press [enter].

There you go. Change the line type properties, and try to draw lines, arc, or any other objects.

Linetype that contains more complex objects

If you have a 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 a 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 has an excellent 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. The insertion point 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 the default value for scale and rotation. The same as you insert a block.

Now, create a line type from the shape. Follow the steps in creating a simple linetype.

Don’t you think this is cool? ;)

The line type scale doesn’t appear correctly?

If you have a problem controlling line type scale, you might want to see that you can control linetype scale in 3 easy step! You might need to have several attempts to work comfortably with it.

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About Edwin Prakoso

I work as an Application Engineer in Jakarta, Indonesia. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and also active in Autodesk discussion forum.
I'm certified as Revit Architecture 2014 and AutoCAD 2014 certified professional. I'm also a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, appreciation for individuals who give contribution to Autodesk community.
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