Document Properties: Linetypes

Manages the linetype patterns for the current model.

• Using linetypes displays curves using dashed or dotted.

• Linetypes are assigned as object and layer properties.

• Linetypes affect only curve objects - not surfaces, solids, or other object types.

To set linetypes on objects

• In the Object Properties dialog box, under Linetypes, click an option.

• The default object linetype is By Layer.

To set linetypes on layers

• In the Layers dialog box, in the Linetypes column, select an option.

• - or -

• Use the SetLayerLinetype command.

To define linetypes

• In the Document Properties dialog box, on  the Linetypes page, use the controls to add a new type.

To create a new linetype

1. Click the New button

2. A new linetype is added to the list.

3. Click the name to rename it.

4. While the new linetype is active, in the Pattern edit box specify the pattern for the linetype.

For example:

• "1,1" specifies a pattern with a 1- unit dash, followed by a 1- unit space.

• "2,.5" specifies a pattern with a 2- unit dash, followed by a 0.5- unit space.

• "1,.25,.25,.25" specifies a pattern with a 1- unit dash, .25- unit space, .25- unit dash, .25- unit space.

• Complex dash-space patterns can be created this way.

Linetype units

In Rhino linetype files, specify units with a designator. All subsequent line patterns will use the specified units. You can change back and forth within a single file. If neither designator is found, mm is used.

For example:

#mm

Sets subsequent line patterns to mm units.

#inch

Sets subsequent line patterns to  inch units.

To use linetypes defined in another Rhino model

• Edit the linetype definition file linetypes_1033.txt (for English).

• Note: Linetype files are located in the Rhino Support folder.

• Import a model that contains the linetype definitions (this can be a blank model).

• Define linetypes in the template files.

• Copy a line with the linetype definition and paste it into your current model.

Using AutoCAD linetype files

Rhino can read AutoCAD *.lin files. Copy the AutoCAD .lin file and rename linetypes_<language>.txt, or copy and paste individual pattern definitions from acad.lin files to the Rhino linetype file.

Embedded blocks, text in patterns and other settings not used in Rhino are ignored.  

Options

Inches

Sets the display scale for linetypes to inches.

Millimeters

Sets the display scale for linetypes to millimeters.

Scale

Controls the scale used to display linetypes in the viewports. The Scale setting does not affect printing. If you have a dashed pattern (for example) defined as 1/2" line followed by 1/2" break, repeated; that is how it will appear on paper, when printed, without regard to print scale.

Pattern

Linetypes are defined by a comma-separated list of dash and gap lengths (in model units), always starting with a dash. A zero-length dash is a dot.

Delete

Deletes a linetype definition.

Add

Adds a linetype definition.

-DocumentProperties

SetLinetypeScale

Sets the global linetype scale.