TECHNICAL
&
W ING
DRA
ALPHABET OF LINES
Technical drawings provide clear and accurate information on how an object is to be
manufactured. It shows and describes clearly and accurately the information required to
build or manufacture a product.
The technical drawing is a form of design communication based on line symbols
recognized and understood worldwide. Hence, technical drawing is often referred to as a
universal language understood (readable) by anyone regardless of the language they
speak
Line symbols used in technical drawing
are often referred to as ALPHABET OF
LINES. The use of line symbols enables
engineers/designers to express the
features of designed products clearly
and accurately. Line features vary not
only by width but also by how they are
graphically represented in a drawing.
Line significance is conveyed by line weight or
thickness of the line. Every line is drawn at
different thicknesses and darkness to express
contrast as well as importance. Lines that are
less important are thin and light. The key to
successful drafting is to have a good technical
knowledge of these various line characteristics
– to understand where and when to apply them
in technical drawing.
ALPHABET OF LINE
OBJECT OR VISIBLE LINES – Thick dark line
use to show outline of object, visible edges
and surfaces.
CONSTRUCTION LINE – Very light and
thin lines use to construct layout work.
DIMENSION LINE – Thin and dark lines use
to show the size (span) of an object with
a numeric value. Usually terminates with
arrowheads or tick markings.
TECHNICAL
&
W ING
DRA
ALPHABET OF LINES
Technical drawings provide clear and accurate information on how an object is to be
manufactured. It shows and describes clearly and accurately the information required to
build or manufacture a product.
The technical drawing is a form of design communication based on line symbols
recognized and understood worldwide. Hence, technical drawing is often referred to as a
universal language understood (readable) by anyone regardless of the language they
speak
HIDDEN LINE – Short dash lines use
to show non visible surfaces. Usually
shows as medium thickness.
CENTERLINE – Long and short dash lines.
Usually indicates the center of holes, circles,
and arcs. Line is thin and dark.
EXTENSION LINE – Thin and dark line use to
show the starting and ending of dimension.
CUTTING PLANE LINE – Extra thick lines
use to show cutaway views or plane of
projection where a section view is
taken. Arrow indicates the direction of
view.
SHORT AND LONG BREAK LINES –Short and
long medium line use to show cutaway view
of a long section.
TECHNICAL
&
W ING
DRA
ALPHABET OF LINES
Technical drawings provide clear and accurate information on how an object is to be
manufactured. It shows and describes clearly and accurately the information required to
build or manufacture a product.
The technical drawing is a form of design communication based on line symbols
recognized and understood worldwide. Hence, technical drawing is often referred to as a
universal language understood (readable) by anyone regardless of the language they
speak
LEADER LINE – Medium line with
arrowhead to show notes or label for
size or special information about a
feature.
PHANTOM LINE – Long line followed by two
short dashes use to show alternate position
of a moving part.
SECTION LINE – Medium lines drawn at 45
degrees use to show interior view of solid areas
of cutting plane line.
SOME ADDITIONAL INFO GRAPHS
TECHNICAL
&
W ING
DRA
ALPHABET OF LINES
QU
IZL
ET
Fill in the blanks with the correct words or group of words
___________1. Medium lines
drawn at 45 degrees use to show
interior view of solid areas of
cutting plane line.
____________2. Medium line with
arrowhead to show notes or label
for size or special information
about a feature.
___________3. The long line
followed by two short dashes uses
to show the alternate position of a
moving part.
____________4. Extra thick lines
use to show cutaway views or
plane of projection where a section
view is takenel for size or special
information about a feature.
___________5.Thin and dark line
use to show the starting and
ending of dimension.
____________6. Short and long
medium line use to show cutaway
view of a long section.
___________7.Long and short dash
lines. Usually indicates the center
of holes, circles and arcs. Line is
thin and dark
____________8. Short dash lines
use to show non visible surfaces.
Usually shows as medium
thickness. ___________9.Very light and thin
line use to construct layout work.
____________10. Thin and dark
lines use to show the size (span)
of an object with a numeric
