To Add a Simple Linetype to an LIN File

  1. Open an LIN file in a text editor that saves in ASCII format (for example, Notepad on Windows® or TextEdit on Mac OS®).
  2. Create a header line that includes an asterisk and a linetype pattern name. The name of the linetype pattern is limited to 31 characters.

    For example,

    *BORDER,Border
  3. (Optional) Include a description on the header line, follow the linetype pattern name with a comma and description text.

    For example,

    *BORDER,Border __ __ . __ __ . __ __ . __ __ . __ __ .
  4. Create a descriptor line that follows these rules:
    • All linetypes must begin with a dash.
    • Enter zeros for dots.
    • Enter negative real numbers for spaces. The value defines the length of the space in drawing units.
    • Enter positive real numbers for dashes. The value defines the length of the dash in drawing units.
    • Separate each dot, dash, or space value from the next with a comma.
    • Use a space between a dot and a dash.

    For example,

    A,.5,-.25,.5,-.25,0,-.25