Creating Custom Linetypes

Civil 3D uses a .LIN file to store line-types. A line-type if comprised of two lines of text:

*NAME,---->  ---->  ---->  ---->
A,0.85,["STRING",STANDARD,S=0.25,R=0,X=-0.19047,Y=-0.10715],-0.6

The first line describes the name of the line type and a description (generally, an approximation of the line type’s appearance using standard text characters). This does not define the line type, only what appears in the selection window. That’s what the second line is for.

The second line defines the line type itself, where:

• A is A-type alignment (just leave this as-is).

• Positive numbers define a dash, the number being the dash’s length. A length of 0 would show as a dot.

• Negative numbers define a space, the number being the space’s length.

• Square backets enclose a string, stylename, and transformation.

  • “STRING” is the text that appears in the line type.

  • STANDARD is the text style to use.

  • S is the text height, or scale of the height set in the text style.

  • R is the rotation of the string, where 0 = no rotation.

  • X is the xoffset, where 0 = no offset. A positive number moves forward along the line.

  • Y is the yoffset, where 0 = no offset. A positive number moves forward along the line.

For example:

A, 1.0, -1.0, 1.0, -1.0

Would define a dashed line.

Loading Linetypes into Civil 3D

1. Enter the LINETYPE command.

2. Select Load… to open the Load or Reload Linetypes window.

3. Select File… and select a .LIN file containing the linetypes you wish to load into Civil 3D.

4. Click OK on both windows to confirm changes. Your new linetype(s) should now be available.