Creating complex linetypes (*.lin files) 3

[Methos31]

Hello,
In AUTOCAD2000, there are several linetypes you can use:
included in files acad.lin and acadiso.lin .
But I would like to use some complex linetypes which are not included in these files.
How could I create other linetypes in order for them to be used in drawing ?
I suppose It means creating a new *.lin file, but how creating this file ?

 

[rKeyTek]

This won't give you an answer as to how to create new LIN files but it might give you some insight to your question.

The more complex "linestyles" use a combination "LIN" & "SHX".

As you know, the SHX files are shapes, usually associated to fonts. But they are also used with linestyles.

I haven't figured out how the LIN files link the SHX files to specific linestyles. It might be linked with a LISP routine or some text in the actual LIN files that calls out the SHX file. Although I haven't seen it.

Hopefully someone else here will have better insight.

Rich

 

[pedarrin]

Go to

http://www.cadalyst.com

and look for the articles on linetype customization by Bill Fane (2 parts in Sept/Oct 1999) This will teach you how to make your own linetypes. It really helped me.

 

[borgunit]

Just a note. We created and had some custom linetypes but if you are going to do this and will pass the drawings along to someone who does not have these shape files (SHX), they will have to have them locally and path to them. This was unacceptable for our customers so we discontinued the practice.

This may help if you are set on it:

http://www.mossdesigns.com/custltp2.htm

 

[dstm]

How to create a new .LIN file?
Open Acad.lin with Notepad, and take a look at the syntax.
Each linetype is a 2 line definition.

Take the Center line for an example:-
*CENTER,Center ____ _ ____ _ ____ _ ____ _ ____ _ ____
A,1.25,-.25,.25,-.25

Line 1. The Linetype name Definition.
Preceded by an asterisk, followed by the name in CAPS, the Upper/Lower case version, followed by a series of dashes or Underscores to visually simulate what the line looks like.
This is what you see in the DLL when you pick a line type.

Line 2. The true Line Length Definition.
Precede by "A", followed by the real numeric length of the repeat pattern, each seperated by a comma (,) delimiter.
Note: NO SPACES!).
Think of it as an old style Pen Plotter with Pen going up and down and paper moving below at a steady rate. Values preceeded with NO sign (+ implied) mean Pen DOWN for that length of travel. Those preceded by a minus (-) means Pen UP for that length of travel.
Dots are denoted by a (numeric) "0".

Want a Center line that begins with a 1/8 dash followed by a 2" line then 2 dots, with 1/8 spaces between and call it Di-Dah-Dot-Dot?

Line 1 would read:
*DI-DAH-DOT-DOT,Di-Dah-Dot-Dot _ _________ . .
Line 2 would read:-
A,0.125,-0.125,2.00,-0.125,0,-0.125,0,-0.125
Note that you must define the last space before the defined pattern begins again.

Good luck.
Jack.

 

[jugglerbri]

If you have the express tools, use EXPRESS->TOOLS->CREATE LINETYPE.

Brian