I knew that the Make Line Type tool existed in the Express Tools but trying to figure them out on your own is incredibly frustrating. I finally saw them in action and they totally make sense now.
Here’s how for simple Line Segments:
- Create some lines that are in the same line with gaps…
- MAKELTYPE <enter> or on the ribbon; Express Tools tab > Tools > Make Linetype button
- Specify a name for a new .LIN (linetype) file and specify where you want it saved
- Specify a name for the new linetype that will be created in the new .LIN file
- Give the new linetype a description
- Specify the starting point of the new linetype segment
- Specify the end point of the linetype segment. Between the starting point and end point, these lines will be repeated to create the new linetype.
- Select the geometry that is between the 2 picked points.
- <enter> The new linetype has been created and is already loaded. simple select it from the properties panel and start drawing an object.
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Here’s how for Lines and text (dtext):
First make a piece of DTEXT that is center-justified and then use the insert osnap to line up the dtext so that its insert osnap is in line with the line segments that will make up the new linetype
Start the Make Linetype tool and then follow the same steps as listed above
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Here’s how to make a shape file to use in a linetype:
Dealing with “shapes” (.shp files) is similar to creating and inserting blocks
- Create geometry
- Start the “Make Shape” tool on the “Tools” panel of the Express Tools tab or MKSHAPE <enter>
- Give the new .shp file a name and specify where you want to save the .shp file
- give the shape a name. This name is what AutoCAD uses to look for the shape.
- Specify the resolution. I use the default value of 128…
- Select the geometry that will make up the shape file.
- Specify an insertion point
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Here’s how for line segments, text and a shape (.shp) file:
Make sure that the dtext is center justified and lined up with the line segments just like the previous tip demonstrated.
- SHAPE <enter> to insert a shape file.
- Enter the name of the shape to insert <enter>
- Insert the shape so that its insertion point is in-line with the line segments.
- specify its scale (I chose the default scale)
- Specify the rotation (I chose zero rotation)
- Then start the Make Linetype tool as described above… refer to the steps above…
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Notice that in the above steps, when prompted to specify the new .lin file and I selected the already-created “Gregs Lines.lin” to be where I want to save my new linetype – It says that it is going to overwrite the file. Don’t worry about that, It doesn’t actually overwrite the file but merely appends the new linetype to the end of the .lne file as seen below.
AutoCAD Tips 
fantastic!
When I make a linetype with text in it, the reverse command does not work.
If you are using AutoCAD 2011 or newer, the linetype definitions have an option within them to remain UP (readable). This is represented in the linetype file (.lin file) as “u=0”. If you need to have a linetype that is reversible, simply change the u to an r.
Hope this helps
~Greg
awesome help man!!!
I’ve tried this numerous times but once the linetype is made, and I try to implement it, my text gets reduced to a height of 1, no matter of the size of text i originally use to make the linetype. help!
The only thing that I can think of is if the text style being used is annotative…
I will look into it more over the weekend
Try using an annotative style– mine’s Arial and set to 1/16″= 1’0″– works out just fine!
I MAKE ONE LINE TYPE ( – – LV – – ) BUT THE TEXT LV IS COMING UP, ITS NOT COMING IN THE SAME LEVEL OF THE LINE
IF ANYBODY CAN HELP ME PLAESE REPLY
Did you make sure that that you are using DTEXT (Single Line text) that is “Middle Justified”?
If so in middle-most insertion point of that piece of text needs to be in-line with the line work.
~Greg
I just realized this problem is caused because of the text style. I followed all the steps named above but this time I created a linetype in a new drawing with no configurations at all and It worked perfectly but when I try to create a linetype within one of my files when I draw a line the text reduces itself automatically and It is not aligned with the other objects.
we can make a line type 2 color?
Hi, I followed all the steps above and I already created the line type with text but I have a problem with the text alignment. When I draw a line it shows the text under the line and smaller. Any solution to this issue? Thanks
Sorry, I typed my email wrongly. Please email to this email in reply message. Thanks.
The Shape file needs to be placed in the AutoCAD support folder in order for it to be used in other drawings. below is an example of the 2015 support folder location:
C:\Users\Greg\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2015\R20.0\enu\Support
Very nice guide, but i was wondering if i could add colours within the shape.
Like to fill a square with the colour yellow. (not the linetype itself).
Hope to hear from you.
I have create “arrow” shape & tried to insert in autocad file but can not load when i insert name “arrow”.
I need create line type, which is with “arrow” shape.
Please help me to create the same.
Useful post. I got to lot about the tools of AutoCAD.