Each linetype is defined on two lines in a linetype (LIN) definition file. The first line defines the linetype name and provides for an optional description. The second line is the code that defines the actual linetype pattern and must begin with the letter A (alignment), followed by a list of pattern descriptors that define pen-up lengths (dashes), pen-down lengths (spaces), dots, and embedded characters. You can also include comments in an LIN file by beginning the line with a semicolon (;).
The format of the linetype definition is
*linetype_name,description
A,descriptor1,descriptor2, ...
For example, a linetype called Dashdot is defined as
*DASHDOT,Dash dot __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __
A,.5,-.25,0,-.25
This indicates a repeating pattern starting with a dash 0.5 drawing units long, a space 0.25 drawing units long, a dot, and another space 0.25 drawing units long. This pattern continues for the length of the line, ending with a dash 0.5 drawing units long. The linetype would be displayed as shown below.
__ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __
LIN files must be saved in ASCII format and use an .lin file extension. Additional information about each field in a linetype definition follows.
The linetype name field begins with an asterisk (*) and should provide a unique, descriptive name for the linetype.
The description field provides a description of the linetype to help you visualize the linetype when you edit the LIN file. The description is also displayed in the Layer & Linetype Properties dialog box (Linetype tab) and in the Load or Reload Linetypes dialog box.
The description is optional and can include
If you omit the description, do not insert a comma after the linetype name. A description cannot exceed 47 characters.
The alignment field specifies the action for pattern alignment at the ends of individual lines, circles, and arcs. Currently, AutoCAD LT supports only A-type alignment, which guarantees that the endpoints of lines and arcs start and stop with a dash.
For example, suppose you create a linetype called CENTRAL that displays the repeating dash-dot sequence commonly used as a centerline. AutoCAD LT adjusts the dash-dot sequence on an individual line so that dashes and line endpoints coincide. The pattern fits the line so that at least half of the first dash begins and ends the line. If necessary, the first and last dashes are lengthened. If a line is too short to hold even one dash-dot sequence, AutoCAD LT draws a continuous line between the endpoints. For arcs also, the pattern is adjusted so that dashes are drawn at the endpoints. Circles do not have endpoints, but AutoCAD LT adjusts the dash-dot sequence to provide a reasonable display.
You must specify A-type alignment by entering A in the alignment field.
Each pattern descriptor field specifies the length of segments making up the linetype separated by commas (no spaces are allowed):
You can enter up to 12 dash-length specifications per linetype, provided they fit on one 80-character line in the LIN file. You need to include only one complete repetition of the linetype pattern defined by pattern descriptors. When the linetype is drawn, AutoCAD LT uses the first pattern descriptor for the starting and ending dashes. Between the starting and ending dashes, the pattern dash specifications are drawn sequentially, beginning with the second dash specification and restarting the pattern with the first dash specification when required.
A-type alignment requires that the first dash length be 0 or greater (a pen-down segment). The second dash length should be less than 0 (a pen-up segment or space). You must have at least two dash specifications for A-type alignment.