Learn how to make linetypes and linetype files with CAD Software ARES Commander. In this article, we will explain how to create line styles using an easy to use CAD program.
When working on a CAD drawing, we need different line types or line type files also known as “line styles” in ARES Commander.
Opening the LINE STYLE Dialog Box
In the video above, for example, the circular viewport. Contains a line using a CONTINUOUS line style. We could change this to dots. It is also possible to load other types of line. For that, we can use the last option in the linestyle drop-down, which says ‘Other…’ or on the icon next to the linestyle drop-down menu . Both will take you to the LINE STYLE dialog box, where you can load the line types.
Press LOAD, and note that several options appear. The line styles definitions are included in a filename with a .lin extension. You are free to create, use (and share) other files. These are just text files with a .lin extension. Now, select a line style, and press OK. This will load the line style into our drawing. Next, you can select a viewport and change the line style.
As you can see, the scale of the “new” line style is greater than what we need.This is where parameters such as “Global Scale” come in. You may, for example, change it to “1” to make the second line look better, although now the first one looks like a continuous line.
Creating Dotted Linetype
In such case, you should ask yourself if you are using the right set of linetypes, because, in theory, the different line styles of a drawing should have compatible scales to avoid such issues.
This explains why line styles definitions are grouped into the same file, and why you may end up customizing it.For example, here we have another line style that is called “DOTTED” which also includes dots and we load it into the drawing.
When you change the first viewport, by the line style “Dotted”, we can see that the scale is now more consistent with the one used in the second viewport. Therefore, we can go to the GLOBAL SCALE parameter and reduce it by half.
We can now check that our dots are closer from each other, and the line with spaces has a more appropriate scale.
ARES Commander offers different combinations of line styles, which are sometimes the same on only a different scale.
In the next two videos, we will show you how to create custom line styles with two different methods.
Do not miss also the extensive Help offered by ARES Commander in addition to the many video tutorials, you can find on our Youtube Channel: GraebertTV
