Layer linetypes in AutoCAD

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A linetype in AutoCAD is a visual property assigned to geometric objects.

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Linetypes can be a pattern of dashes, dots, text, and symbols, or unbroken and continuous.

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The current linetype setting defines the default appearance of all new geometric objects.

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With a drawing open, you can review the current linetype.

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On the ribbon, Home tab, Layers panel, select Layer Properties.

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In the table in the Layer Properties dialog, in the Linetype column, review the assigned linetype.

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The current layer is selected, and the other layers’ linetypes also display.

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In this example, all the linetypes are continuous, meaning the linetype displays objects with a solid, unbroken pattern.

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To modify the linetype of a layer, click within the Linetype column for the layer.

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The Select Linetype dialog displays.

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In this example, several other linetypes are available.

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A preview of each linetype is visible, as well as its description.

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To add more linetypes to your drawing, click Load.

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From the Load or Reload Linetypes dialog, you can choose from the already existing options, or you can load a .LIN file.

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To load your own, click File.

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Then, navigate to the linetype file in your file browser.

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To load one or more linetypes from the already existing options, select which linetypes you wish to add.

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To select multiple linetypes, make the selections while holding CTRL on your keyboard.

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Once you have your selection, click OK.

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Back in the Select Linetype dialog, select one of the linetypes that was just loaded into the drawing.

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The linetype for the layer selected in the Properties palette updates accordingly.

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Linetypes are a great way to easily differentiate between the various objects in your drawings.