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INTRODUCTION
Drawing is a cross-disciplinary subject that is applied in all the fields, from the arts,
medicine, science and technology. Modern things come from table and paper methods using
different media and drawing instruments, whether mechanical or freehand drawing. Capiz
State University-Main Campus formerly Capiz Institute of Technology is known for
vocational and technical education ever since. Graduates of technical education as well as,
technology courses took the drawing subject which really helped them in their chosen fields.

This concept is in vein with the thrust of the college that “form Technical Competence
to Technological Excellence” which that Drawing is inevitable in all discipline.

In Technology courses such as Drafting, Automotive, Mechanical, Electrical,

Electronics, Heating and Ventilating and Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration, Construction,
Furniture and Cabinet Making, drawing as a subject has many uses and application.

There are many job opportunities in the industrial, technical, mechanical, and other
fields in a growing country like the Philippines. Like other developing countries, the
Philippines through the education department has established vocational and technical
schools to meet the needs for technical and skilled workers. These schools offer courses like
Auto Mechanics, Building Construction, Cosmetology, Ceramics, Drafting, Garments, Food
Trades, Electricity, machine Shop Practice, Associate in Marine Engineering and other allied
courses. Regardless of the course one takes, the vocational school students will find many
uses for his knowledge of Drawing – for drawing considered as the language of industry and
the key to mass production of industrial facilities and appliances.

Drawing is valuable means of expression to anyone – an effective way to get an idea

across when fail. A word is an abstract symbol representing a thing or idea, but a picture
represents an object itself. Confucius once said, “One picture is worth a thousand words”.
The construction of a house or piece of furniture could not be explained in one thousand
words only. There is no complicated object that cannot be drawn. If the object cannot be
drawn it cannot be built (Gellekanao, 1975).

Let’s learn Drawing, because it is fun and can be considered as universal language a
key to mass production.

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OBJECTIVES

After going through this lesson, student should be able to:

 Define drawing and its importance.
 Familiarize the 5 objectives of drawing.
 Familiarize the materials needed in Freehand drawing
 Sketch different strokes in line sketching.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Provide the students with a working knowledge of the occupational/jobs which are
drafting based. Equip the students with the basic skills and processes common to all
areas of drafting with special emphasis on proper techniques. Students also must
know the correct uses and care on the selected drawing instruments and materials.

TOPIC/OUTLINE
 Drawing and its importance
 Division of drawing
 Types of drawing
 Objectives of drawing
 Material needed in freehand drawing
 Technical Drawing and Its Specialized Branches

IND

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Course No : Draw III
Course Title : Fundamental of Technical Sketching, Instrumental
Drawing and Blueprint Reading
Course Description: This course deals with the study and application of the
advance technical drawing, blueprint reading and fundamentals of design.
Course Credit : 2 units; 3 hrs / week ( I hr. lecture, 2hrs. lab )
Semester: First Semester
School Year : 2021 – 2022
Instructor : IVAN NICOLE C. DEVELLES

1.0 Introduction and Orientation

VMGO of the University

Vision: Center of Academic Excellence Delivering Quality Service to all

Mission: Capiz State University is committed to provide advanced knowledge

and innovation; develop skills, talents and values; undertake relevant
research, development and extension services; promote
entrepreneurship and environmental consciousness; and enhance
industry collaboration and linkages with partner agencies.

Goals: Globally competitive graduates

Institutionalized research culture
Responsive and sustainable extension services
Maximized profit of viable agro-industrial business ventures
Effective and efficient administration

Core Values: God- Centered

Excellence
Integrity
Transparency and Accountability and;
Dedication to quality Service

Guiding Principles:
Academic Freedom
Responsibility
Academic Standards

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2.0 Drawing

Drawing, according to Spencer is “the principal means of expressions of ideas in

technical world….a graphic language which has its own alphabet, grammar and
penmanship”. The grammar of drawing is its fundamental principle and thinking, planning
and setting of thoughts down a piece of paper in graphic form. It is the ability of a person to
put facts and truths in a graphic form that is by means of lines and tools.

Drawing is the universal language in itself. It is read and understood and practically
followed as an approved plan by every technologist, builders and manufacturer around the
world in the execution and realization of projects and inventions. (C. Ortiz, Munsayac)

Drawing is a graphic representation of a real thing, an idea of a proposed design for

construction later (F. E. Giesecke).

Importance of Drawing:

 It is essential to everyone for it is a language of vision through which

universal understanding can be achieved.
 It is an important part of well-rounded educational program and its primary
function is to think, to express in an understandable manner and to interpret
ideas of others.
 It is a valuable means of expression to anyone-an effective way to get an idea
across when world fail. A word is an abstract symbol representing a thing or
idea, but a picture represents an object itself.
 Persons not connected in the industry find great value of drawing, simply as a
means of expressing ideas.

Division of Drawing:
1. Freehand drawing or Technical Sketching – is a technique of making drawing without
the use of drawing instruments.

Division of Drawing
1. freehand Drawing or Technical Sketching.
 This is the technique of making Drawing without the used of
drawing Instrument…

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 Figure 21. Sample of Freehand drawing or Technical Sketching

2. Mechanical drawing or Instrumental drawing – is a technique of making with the use

drawing instruments.

Mechanical Drawing or
Instrumental drawing
It is an instrumental expression.

Figure 22. Sample of Mechanical drawing or Instrumental drawing

Types of Drawing:

1. Artistic drawing – it expresses philosophical or aesthetic ideas or emotions.

Artistic Drawing

Figure 23. Sample of paintings.

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2. Technical drawing – is the art of science of describing structures and structural details
completely and accurately by graphical means.

Example: Car planning, gun designing

Technical Drawing

Figure 24. Sample of technical drawings.

Objectives of Drawing:

To be successful in Technical Drawing, a student has to follow some specific

objectives. These objectives can only be achieved through constant correct practice.

1. ACCURACY – A student must be careful in his drawing when it comes to measurement.

Exactness of measurement must be observed. The ability to acquire precision in the work
must be observed-thus it must be free from no errors.

2. SPEED – This means that “Time is money”. Meaning in the industry there is no demand
for a slow worker. However, speed is not hurrying, it is a by-product of intelligent and
continuous work.

3. LEGIBILITY – The draftsman should remember that drawing is a means of

communication to others and that it must be clear and legible in order to serve its purpose
well. Care should be given to details especially to lettering. Drawing must be done in a
manner that it can be read easily.

4. NEATNESS – If a drawing is to be accurate and legible it must be also clean, therefore,

the student should constantly strive to acquire the habit of neatness. Good practice that to
have a clean hands, clean drawing instruments before starting to work a drawing.

5. ORDERLINESS – Important drawing material/instruments needed in a drawing should be

placed near you or on your table so that it is easy for you to handle when you need.

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Unnecessary materials/instruments must not be placed above the table when the drawing is
done.

TECHNICAL DRAWING AND ITS SPECIALIZED BRANCHES

1. Architectural drawing – that branch of technical drawing, which is devoted to the

representation of the building and similar structure. The drawing
of the architectural structures includes plans, elevation, sections
and details sufficient to define adequately in graphic form that
construction so that it can be executed in complete accord with the
architect ideas.

Figure 25 Sample of architectural drawings.

2. Machine Drawing- that branch of technical drawing, which is used in machine industries.
A machine shop drawing omits all information concerning the pattern of the fore going
process and conveys only those needs for machining

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 Figure 25. Sample of Machine Drawing

3. Structural Drawing – that branch of technical drawing, which includes all layout and
detail drawings connected with the design and construction of buildings, bridge, viaducts and
other similar structure in which structural steel, timber, concrete and other building materials
are used. The function of a structural drawing is to show the shape and sizes used and the
details of fastening.

Figure 26. Sample of Structural Drawing

4. Sheet Metal Drawing – that branches of technical drawing in heating, ventilating and air-
conditioning industries. It includes problems involved in finding the intersection of surfaces
and developing surfaces of various kinds into flat patterns and templates, which have many
applications in industries mentioned.

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 Figure 27. Sample of Sheet Metal Drawing

5. Electrical Drawing – that branch of technical drawing, which is used in electrical

industries. Electrical engineers needs the basic knowledge of drawing, as do chemical
engineers and other engineers. This drawing includes diagrammatic drawing using
conventional symbols for electrical equipment and conventions, which form an important
class of electrical drawing.

Figure 28. Sample of Electrical Drawing

6. Aeronautic Drawing – that branch of technical drawing, which is a composite of

mechanical, structural, electrical, and sheet metal drawing in which some deviation are made
from each other in order to establish uniformity as a basic system. A distinctive feature of
aeronautical drafting is the planning of logical assembly and installation sequences as well as
designing for maximum strength for maximum weight. It is used in aircraft manufacturing.

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 Figure 29. Sample of Aeronautic Drawing

7. Marine Drawing – that branch of technical drawing, which deals with the making of
drawing or plan of boats, ships and other sea- going.

Figure 30. Sample of Marine Drawing

8. Furniture Drawing - that branch of technical drawing, which includes designing and
planning of pieces of furniture like cabinets, tables, chairs, beds and other furnishing found in
an office, home, hotels and etc.

Figure 31. Sample of Furniture Drawing

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9. Map Drawing – This technical drawing represents a portion of the earth’s surface area.
Since it usually represents a relatively small part, all the third dimension (height) is not
shown except in some cases by contour lines. A map may be thought of as a one-view
orthographic projection.

Figure 32. Sample of Map Drawing

Maps are classified according to their purpose or intended use.

1. Geographic Map – includes large areas and consequently must draw to small scale. They
show important towns and cities, streams and bodies of water, political boundaries and
reliefs.

2. Topographic map – has a complete description of certain areas and show to larger scale
the geographical positions of the natural feature and the works of man such as building,
bridges, etc.

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3. Hydrographic Map – deals with the information concerning bodies of water and shore
lines, sounding depth, sub-aqueous contours, navigation aids and water control.

4. Cadastral Map – is one of the very accurate control maps for either cities or town made to
large scale with all features drawn to scale. They are used to control city developments and
operations particularly taxation and transfer of property lot of city additions, mineral rights,
farm survey and the like that fall in this group. It controls ownership.

5. Engineering Maps – is a working map for engineering projects are classified for specific
purposes such as for the reconnaissance of construction maintenance purposes.
They provide accurate horizontal and vertical control data and show objects on the site along
the right way.

6. Photogrammetric Map – is a map which represents features on the earth’s surface from
territorial and aerial photographs. These photographs and perspective are sources from which
orthographic views are obtained by stereoscopic instruments. Ground control stations are
necessary to bring the photograph to the required datum.

7. Military Map – is designed to contain information of military importance in the area

presented.

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8. Landscape Map – is used in planning installation of trees shrubbery, drive ways, etc. in
the artistic design of area improvement.

Technical Sketching deals with making working sketches or drawing in pencil

developing skills in pencil techniques using different kinds of lines in such drawing. Correct
practice and exercise will enable students to gain more experience. The acquisition of better
technique in sketching without the use of instruments is always a procedure before starting
mechanical drawing.
The basis of all drawings is lines. Many different lines are used even in simple
drawings. All lines should be made so clearly that there will be no doubt of their measuring
when the drawing is read.
The weight of the lines is determined by the degree of hardness of the pencil used,
and not the amount of pressure exerted on the pencil.

Materials needed in Freehand Drawing:

1. Drawing Pencil- the most important tool of a draftsmen. They are made in hexagonal
shape to fit the thumb, forefinger and second finger, and to prevent them from rolling off the
table.

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2. Drawing paper- the material that is used in the form of thin sheets especially for making
drawings.

3. Eraser- an object, such as a piece of rubber or felt, used to remove mistakes on a drawing.

4. Pencil Sharpener/Cutter – a tool used for sharpening a pencil.

5. Sand Paper- it is used to repoint the lead of the pencil in its desired point.it is done by
rubbing the lead towards the handle while rotating the pencil against the movement.

Kinds of Pencil Points:

1. Conical point - It is the one most frequently used. When using this type of point, rotate the
pencil after few stroke.

Figure 3.1. Conical Point

2. Chisel point- It’s shaped like on a tip is like chisel used for straight line (border line)

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 Classification of Pencil

1. Hard Pencil – (4H to 9H) are used where extremely accuracy required, as on graphical
computation charts and diagrams.

2. Medium Pencil – (3H to B) for general purpose work in technical drawing, are used for
technical sketching, lettering, arrow heads, and other freehand work of mechanical drawing.

3. Soft Pencil- (2B to 7B) are too soft to be used in mechanical drawing. Their used for such
work results in smudges and rough line which are not distinct and are difficult to ease.

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 H 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9H HF B 9B
H H H H H H H B B B B B B B B
Hardest → Medium → Softest

Figure 4.9 Classes of pencil

Sharpening of Drawing Pencil:

Sharpening a pencil is done by cutting the wood with a cutter. A cut of 1 ½” inches
long should be made with ¼” to 3/8” of an inch exposing lead. With a sanding pad, shape the
lead of the pencil in its desired point. Do this by holding the file stationary in the left (right)
hand and rub the lead toward the handle while rotating the pencil against the movement.

Kinds of Lines Weight of Lines

1. Straight lines 1. Dark / Heavy

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 2. Curve lines 2. Medium
3. Mixed lines 3. Light

Strokes and Directions of Line Sketching

Position of Lines
1. Vertical lines – straight lines drawn from top to bottom

2. Horizontal lines- a straight lines drawn from left to right.

3. Inclined lines- a straight lines drawn in between vertical and horizontal

line. It might be drawn downward or upward in position.

4. Curved lines- like arcs and circles were drawn with one or two strokes similar to the
strokes in capital letter “C“.

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 Module 2
OBJECTIVES
After going through this lesson, student should be able to:
1 Identify the Instrument used in mechanical Drawing
2 Identify the two system of measurement.
3 Construct lines by the use of Mechanical Instrument
LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Provide the students with a working knowledge of the occupational/jobs which are
drafting based. Equip the students with the basic skills and processes common to all
areas of drafting with special emphasis on proper techniques. Students also must
know on how to read measurements.
TOPIC/OUTLINE
 Types of Drawing instruments used for mechanical Drawing

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  Two system of measurements
 Proper manipulation of T-square
 Proper manipulation of T-square

Other types of drawing instruments used for mechanical

drawing: Use and Care of Drawing Instruments
1. Drawing Board/Table - a device where the drawing paper laid and fastened. Their
working edge should be perfectly straight and their surface are smooth. The left and the right
side of the table/board are called cleats and it should be straight.

T-Square - is a tool that is like the letter T and that is used to draw parallel lines and right
angles. It is used as a guide in making horizontal lines and to provide an edge against which
the triangles are placed. When making horizontal lines the direction should be front left to
right (if right-handed) and right to left (if left-handed).

Kinds of T-Square Head

 Fixed Head T-Square - A regular fixed head T-square for drawing straight lines. The
blade must be perfectly straight in order to draw accurate lines.

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  Removable Head T-Square - Featuring a graduated (inch/metric) blade, this unique
detachable blade design allows for easy transport. Blade can be used separately as a
straight edge and a ruler.

 Adjustable Head T-Square - The adjustable T-Square has a unique pivoting head
allowing a variety of angles to be achieved. In addition the head can be turned through
90 degrees (no protruding parts) for easier transportation.

Triangles- generally made from plastic or celluloid material. They are triangular in shape
with one corner, a right angle triangle. A pair of set squares (30֯ x 60֯ and 45 ֯x 45֯). They are
used to draw vertical and inclined lines.

Compass- a device used for drawing circles and arcs and for measuring distances on maps,
consisting of two legs hinged together at one end.

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The needle point of the compass should be slightly longer than the pencil or penpoint. It
should at all times be very sharp.

a). Locating the center of an arc b). Drawing a circle in pencil

or circle and positioning the needle
point on this center.

How to Manipulate the Compass

The divider consists of two legs each with a needle point. It also has a handle and a yoke. The
yoke is a U-shaped metal piece which holds the two legs firmly together. There is also a
screw to tighten them, and because of this, the joints of the legs should never be oiled and
neither should those of compass. The needle point must be sharp and of equal length.

Fastener/Drafting or Drawing Tape – A common type of fastener used in attaching

drawing paper in the drawing table is a masking tape. It is a removable adhesive tape used to
provide temporary protection to an area while an adjacent area is being worked on.

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Scales – are used to reproduce the dimensions of an object to full size on the drawing to
enlarge or reduce them to some regular proportions. Ordinary scales are made of boxwoods;
some are made of plastic, paper and wood plastic edges

The types of scales were mechanical scale mostly used by the mechanical engineers.
It uses English system of measurements, while civil engineers scale, which is used by the
civil engineers is in Metric system of measurements.

Protractor- an instrument for measuring or drawing angles on paper, usually a flat

semicircular transparent plastic sheet graduated in degrees.

French Curve- is made of amber or clear plastic used as a guide in ruling curve lines other
than circle and arc.

Erasing Shield – is a thin sheet of celluloid or steel. It

contains varied shapes of holes which make it possible to protect neighboring lines when
erasing by fitting the exact shape of the opening to the shape of the mistake.

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Dusting Brush – is made of fine animal hair which is used to remove or brush way rubber
crumbs and loose dirt particles that collect on a drawing.

Different types of ducting brush

Drawing Ink – is composed of finely ground carbon in suspension with natural or synthetic
gum added to make the suspension mixture water proof.

Penholders and Pen Points – the pen holders are used to hold the speedball pens and other
lettering Pens while making freehand drawing. It should have a grip of medium size, small
enough to enter the mouth of a drawing ink bottle easily, yet not to small as to cramp the
finger while in use.

Tracing paper – a thin translucent material commonly called “vellum”. It is a transparent

paper upon which copies or tracing of drawing are made for the purpose of reproducing them
by blueprint or by other similar processes.

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Case Instruments – are layman’s name for compasses. The case instruments as shown in
Figure 2-23 composed of the compass, the lengthening bar or the extension bar, compass pen,
hair spring dividers, small dividers or bow spacers, bow compasses, bow pen and the ruling
pen.

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 Proper Manipulation of the T-square

Directions: Below is a simple activity for you to work on. Practice the task following the
given procedure.

Procedure:

1. Place the head of the T-square against the edge of the drafting table. (Left side of the table
if you are right handed and at the right side of the table if you are left handed).

2. Slide the working head of the T-square against the working edge of the drawing table. The
two edges should be in constant contact until the desired position.

Note: Do not use the T-square on an uneven or rough surfaces and never cut paper along its
working edge.

PROPER USE OF T- SQUARE

Setting up Drawing Paper on the Drawing Table

Directions: Below is a simple activity for you to work on. Practice the task following
the given procedure.
Procedure:

1. Press firmly the T-square against the working edge of the drawing table.
2. Place the drawing paper close to the working edge of the drawing table and working head
of the T-square depending on you if you are right or left-handed, while the paper is placed on
top edge of the T-square.

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3. Fasten the upper left portion of the drawing paper followed by the lower right portion and
finally the remaining corners.
Note: Always fasten larger backing sheet of thicker drawing paper on the board first

Placing drawing paper to the drawing board

Drawing a Horizontal Line

Directions: Below is a simple activity for you to work on. Practice the task following the
given procedure.

Procedure:

1. Press the head of the T-square against the working edge of the drawing table and
lean the pencil to the desired direction of the line inclined at more or less 60 degrees
with the drawing table.
2. Maintain the position of the pencil while you glide lightly on the blade of the T-
Square.
3. Draw the line from left to right rotating occasionally to produce uniform line weights.
(Reverse this step if you are left-handed).

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 Using the T-Square to draw Horizontal lines

Drawing a Vertical Line

Directions: Below is a simple activity for you to work on. Practice the task
following the

Procedure:
1. Use 45 degrees triangle or 30 degrees x 60 degrees to draw vertical lines.
2. Place the triangle on top of the blade of the T-square with the vertical edge on the left.
3. With the left hand pressing the T-square and the triangle against the drawing board, draw
the line upward, rotating the pencil slowly between the thumb and forefinger.

See figure below.

Drawing vertical lines using triangles and T-square

3.0. How to read and write common measurements

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 Description:
This unit introduces the students to the systems of measurements. English and Metric.
It will also deal on how to convert simple measurements from English to metric and vice
versa. It also emphasizes the proper writing and reading of measurements especially on the
metric system.

Measurements are so often taken for granted we sometimes do not appreciate the
grand importance measurements play in our lives. On a baseline level, measurements fall into
the categories of weight, area, volume, length and even temperature. While we look at these
various categories as stoic form of mathematical measurements a closer examination of
things we do in everyday life reveals their clear importance.

A drawing can be made accurate through exact measurements, in order to do this you
have to learn how to read and write common measurements. What will you answer if you are
going to be asked of how long is 1 inch? Is it 1 finger long? Or 1 thumb long? We call this as
guessing. This means that we should learn measurements, especially linear measurement
because it is commonly used in technical drawing.

The common measurements units used in linear measurements are English and Metric
Systems. English system include the inch, foot, yard, pound, quart and mile. While Metric
system includes the millimeter, centimeter, meter and kilometer.

Common Linear equivalents used in drawing:

Note: The symbol for inch is (“) and in foot is (‘).

For example: 1’ – 2” is read as 1 foot and 2 inches

HOW TO READ DIVISION OF AN INCH

Instructions:

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1. Examine the distance from D to E.
2. These are the smallest divisions indicated on the inch representing the 1/16. Staring from
the first line the measurements is indicated as 1/16, 2/16, or 1/8, 5/16 and so on. Notice that
the EVEN divisions have equivalents indicated on line C, B, and C. ODD numbers are read
as they are 1/16, 3/16, 5/16, 7/16, 9/16, 11/16, 13/16 and 15/16. Even numbers are reduced to
their lowest terms and are read as follows: 2/16 = 1/8, 4/16 = 1/4,; 6/16 = 3/8; 8/16 = ½;
10/16 = 5/8; 12/16 = ¾;
14/16 = 7/8; and 16/16/ = 1 inch.
3. If you are going to examine the line C, there are eight equal parts or divisions representing
1/8. The first division is 1/8 then 2/8 or ¼ followed by 3/8, 4/8 or ½ then 5/8, 6/8 or ¾, 7/8
and last is 8/8 or 1.
4. On line B, there are four divisions, which represent 4 equal divisions of an inch. They read
as ¼, 2/4, or ½, ¾ and 4/4 or 1.
5. On the line A, only two divisions are there. Each one is ½. Notice that 8/16 is reduced to
½.
METRIC SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENTS

I. Standard Measurements

II. Common linear equivalents used in drawing:

III. Reading a Division of a Centimeter

Instructions:

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1. Line AB is divided into 10 smaller equal divisions. Each of these divisions represents one
millimeter. In one centimeter there are ten (10) millimeters. Therefore X is read as 5
millimeters.
2. To read the fractions of a centimeter, count each small division indicated after the one
centimeter mark. Therefore, Y is read as ½ centimeter or one centimeter and 5 millimeters.

Quick Test

Read the following measurements:

IV. Writing metric system of measurement in decimals.

The above figure is read as 1 meter, 3 decimeter, 7 centimeters, 8.9 millimeters or read as 1
meter, 37 centimeters and 8.9 millimeters.

To write a meter alone affix two decimal places after the whole number as in writing a peso.
Example: 1 meter is written as 1.00

When the measurements are indicated in centimeters exceeding 100, divide the figure by 100
to obtain the exact figure for a meter. Example: 530 centimeters is written as 5 meters and 30
centimeters is same as 5.30.

When the measurements are indicated in fraction of a meter, change it to decimal. Meaning ¾
meter is equal to 0.75.

LETTERING
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 Certain Online & Modular Drawing Regulations and Procedures.

1. Students enrolled the subject should pass the prerequisite Draw III.
2. Students are aware of the grading system and aware of the criteria for grading the subject.
3. Students are required to be attend in the subject, and have a drawing instruments as
required to online laboratory activities.
4. Students are taught to be in good values in words, actions through online.
5. Students should cooperate, respect to others.
6. Listing and identifying the needed drawing instruments for the subject via online.

This unit deals with the origin, development, styles and order of strokes of lettering
which are fundamental in making specifications, titles and notes on a working drawing.

OBJECTIVES
After going through this lesson, student should be able to:
 Define lettering and its importance.
 Acquaint with the history of Lettering.
 Familiarize the different styles of Lettering.
 Study and memorize the general division of Letters, proportion of Letters,
classification of Letters according to its size; position; thickness of stem and spacing.
 Enumerate the different guidelines for capital and small letters.
 Have the knowledge about the correct strokes of each letters.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Provide the students with a working knowledge of the occupational/jobs which are drafting
based. Equip the students with the basic skills and processes common to all areas of drafting
with special emphasis on proper techniques. Students also must know the exact style of
letters to be used for a desired artwork.

TOPIC/OUTLINE
 Lettering and its importance.
 History of the Alphabet and Lettering.
 Styles of Letters.
 General division of Letters.
 Proportion of Letters.
 Classification of Letters according to its size; position; thickness of stem and spacing.
 Guidelines for capital and small letters.
 Order of strokes for each letters.

Lettering, considered the written language of industry, is so important in a drawing

that it cannot be dispensed with the study of drafting. The style of lettering emphasized in
each area of drafting depends on the nature of work. The topographical draftsman uses not
only Gothic letters and Roman letters as well.
A good lettering will enhance the appearance of a drawing, while poor lettering will
make the drawing sloppy and unprofessional.

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TERM USED:

1. Lettering – an act of making letters by hand and other parts of the body.
2. Printing – an act of making letters by the use of machines.
3. Alphabet – a system of characters or letters used in writing a language. It was derived
from two Greek words “alpha” means Beginning and “beta” means second letter.
4. Letter – any character in the alphabet.
5. Hieroglyphics – picture-writing or sacred writing. It was derived from the two Greek
words “hieros” meaning sacred “glyphien” meaning to carve.
6. Cuneiform writing – a form of writing whose letters have wedge-shape. It was taken from
a Latin word “cuneus” which means wedge.

IMPORTANCE OF LETTERING

Good lettering enhances the appearance of a drawing, while poor lettering will make a
good drawing look sloppy and unprofessional. Lettering gives other pertinent information
necessary for the construction of a machine or structure, the graphical representation of which
failed to show them. It must be easily read and drawn freehand. Figures are of similar
importance as of lettering. Poor figuring can cause grave errors in the American Standard, the
most important requirement in lettering as used on a working drawing is legibility and ease
and rapidly of execution. It is therefore recommended that skill in lettering must be
developed because it is as important as the ability to make good drawings.
Lettering is not only useful in working drawings but also in personal correspondence,
making place cards, signs, posters, labelling books and occasion cards. A keen student in
drawing will acquire great satisfaction from its many uses (Galikanao, 1975).
According to Vince Lombardi: “Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice
makes perfect.”

Learning to letters requires:

a. Knowledge of the shapes and proportions of the individual characters.
b. A knowledge of the order of strokes and direction of strokes used in making them.
c. A knowledge of the rules for combining letters into sentences.
d. Constant correct practice.

History of the Alphabet and Lettering

Before men knew how to write he provided himself with a means by which he could
leave behind records important to him. He had no alphabet to use then, so he made crude
pictures on the walls of the cave. The picture were man’s first step toward an alphabet. Later
on, these pictures became symbols or signs of everyday objects and could tell stories. These
became known as hieroglyphics. Hieroglyphics as a form of writing was adopted by the
Egyptians. Its history however, is vague that up to this no one knew who first used
hieroglyphics.

The present letters, or alphabet of the English and Philippine languages originated in
ancient Egypt. The Ancient Egyptian “letters” were the form of picture writing called
hieroglyphics. This writing was further modified by the ancient Phoenicians whose wedge-
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shaped or cuneiform writing took the form of symbols. The ancient Greeks changed this form
of writing into what they called boustrophedon writing. The ancient Romans modified this
into a more readable type of writing which became the basis for present-day letters of the
Roman alphabet except for J and U which were not in the Old Roman alphabet. Old Roman
and Modern Roman letters are alike except in the thickness of the stems of the letters and in
the shape of their serifs.
Later on, these pictures become symbols or signs of everyday objects and could tell
stories. This become known as “HIEROGLYPHICS”

4000 B. C. – the designs of modern alphabet had their origin in Egyptian Hieroglyphics or
picture writing.
2500 B. C. – hieroglyphics were later developed by the Egyptian into cursive hieroglyphics
of hieratic writing, an abstract form of writing.
1000 B. C. – hieratic writing was adopted by the phoenicians and developed into an alphabet
of twenty-two (22) letters of which nineteen are standard consonants of the present-day
alphabet.
700 B. C. – the Phoenician alphabet was later adopted by the Greeks. They introduced and
developed the VOWEL letters and uniform writing. They also contributed thirteen letters to
the Roman alphabet.
200 B. C. – the Romans introduced the twenty-three letters of the present-day alphabet. It
was divided into two styles, the OLD Roman and MODERN Roman.
9th Century – during the reign of Charlemagne, lowercase letters were introduced. They
were the called Carolinian Letters.
14th century A.D. – minuscules was invented during the reign of Charlemagne.
1722 – Formal script was introduced by the English.
1890 – the English introduced SANS SERIF, a letter style which is commonly used by
printing presses.
1945 – Cartoon Script was introduced by the Americans.
1960 – Automation Letter styles was introduced. Used by computers.

1. Egyptians
They developed the hieroglyphics form of writing. Modification in forms resulted in
cursive hieroglyphics known a hieratic and demotic script. After this, the alphabet, which
eventually supplemented picture-writing was born. Three forms of writing were used by the
Egyptians:
a. hieroglyphics which was used on public and official monuments;
b. hieratic – a cursive handwriting; and
c. demotic script which was the flowing popular style.

2. Semites

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 They were the real inventors of the alphabet and had no symbols for vowels. The
Phoenicians made the next step in the development of the alphabet. They gave each sound a
fixed symbol. There were only twenty two (22) consonant letters, though were actually
consonant vowel combinations.

3. Greeks
They developed the first true alphabet of twenty four (24) signs. Their greatest
contribution was the addition of the vowels. When they pronounced names, the Greeks
dropped the consonant sound, thereby exposing the vowel sound. The letter aleph was a
consonant (Hebrew) unknown to the Greeks. From the word aleph the letter A was taken. The
Semitic he became E. The direction of the signs and lines in the Phoenicians were from left to
right while in the Greeks writing direction, it was either left to right or right to left.

Aleph is the first letter of the Semitic abjads, including Phoenician Hebrew, Aramaic,and Arabic. It
also appears as South Arabian.. In Arabic, the alif has the glottal stop pronunciation when occurring initially.

The Hebrew Alphabet (Aleph)

A was originally a rough picture of a bull’s head. This letter became the sign. Its
original meaning became lost, but the sign was still in use the written. It later became the
letter A of the present alphabet. Shows the development of letter A.

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4. Romans
During the 1st century of the Christian era, the Romans developed an alphabet of
capital letters called “majuscules” that we still use at present. A few of the letters today like
U, V, Y and W were developed as late as 17th century.

The Old Roman did not contain the lowercase letters. It was during the reign of
Charlemagne in the 14th century A.D. when the Caroline “minuscule” a lowercase alphabet
called Carolinian letters were invented. Roman letters were used extensively, until the Gothic
alphabet was introduced.

Styles of letters
1. Gothic Letters – was introduced basically using Roman letters. Gothic letters or “uncial
letters” (inch-high).Letters having the elementary strokes and it is considered to be the
plainest and most legible style of letters. It is a widely used for commercial purposes because
of its appearance.

2. Roman Letters – oldest form of letters. It was composed of capital letters called
majuscules, having their Elementary strokes “accented” or consisting of heavy and thin lines.
The ends of the strokes are terminated with spurs called “serifs”. Roman letters are best
diversified. They are extensively used for names and titles of maps. Commonly they are done
in an outline form and filled-in.

3. Text Letters – are too illegible for commercial purposes but it’s the most artistic and
elaborate of all styles of letters. It is used on certificates and diplomas.

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4. Script Lettering – are letters like handwriting. They used in making cards notes and other
artworks. This was attributed by the Anglo-Saxons.

All of these styles of letters when inclined in position regardless of their styles are
called Italic hence, they may be called Gothic Italic, Roman Italic, or Text Italic. In any of
these styles of lettering, stability and uniformity are very important. Uniformity in height,
proportion and strength of lines. Stability of letters have their upper portions and lower
portions almost equal but their central strokes or middle strokes are slightly above the center
to look more stable.
Parts of Letters
LOBE

R SWASH

STEM

DIVISION OF LETTERS
1. DRAWN or BUILT-UP LETTERS – are large letters for titles, posters and others. They
are made up by drawing their outlines and filled in.

RODZ RODZ
OUTLINE FILLED IN

SINGLE STROKE or WRITTEN LETTERS – are letters are made without lifting the
pencil, brush or pen but the width of the stroke of the pen is equal to the width of the stem of
the letter.

SINGLE
STROKE

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 PROPORTION OF LETTERS
1. NORMAL LETTERS or REGULAR LETTERS – are letters having their stem made
regularly and used when space is neither wide nor small.

NORMAL
2. COMPRESSED or CONDENSED LETTERS – are letters having their stem. Narrower
in their proportion of width and height. These letters are used when space is limited.

COMPRESSED
3. EXTENDED LETTERS – these letters are wider than normal letters. The small the letter,
the more extended should they be in width. These letters are used when wide space is
available.

MARC
TOMQVAXY = 6x6 units
W = 8x6 units
I = 1x6 units
The rest of the Letters = 5x6 units
Numerals = 4x6 units

CLASSIFICATIONS OF LETTERS ACCORDING TO:

A. Size
a. UPPERCASE – letters that are big in size. These are also “majuscules” or commonly
called capital letters.

b. LOWERCASE - letters that are small in size. These are also “minuscules” or
commonly called small letters.

B. Position

1. Vertical letters –letters that stand in an upright position and forming ( 90O ) with the
horizontal guidelines . All vertical strokes of letters are drawn downward and the horizontal
strokes are drawn to the right.

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2. Inclined letters –letters that form an angles between 65 to 75 degrees with the horizontal
guidelines. The best slope for inclined letters is 67 ½ degrees.

1. Straight Line Letters – composed of stems made of straight line. The dots of I and j and
the cross of t are on the “i” or “T” line-halfway between the cap and waist line.

2. Loop Letters – are made with an ellipse whose long axis is inclining at about 45 degrees
in combination with a straight line.

3. Hook Letters – are made with a shape taken from that of a hook.

4. Ellipse Letters – are based on an ellipse with the shape of the capital letter, but no inclined
as much as the loop letters.

C. Thickness of stem
1. Boldface letters – letters having thick stem.

BOLDFACE
2. Lightface letters – letters having thin and light stem.
LIGHTFACE
D. Spacing
1. Mechanical Spacing – distances between letters are measured.

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2. Optical Spacing –letters are spaced by making the areas clearance between them
approximately equal. The amount of white space that appears between the first two letters
should equal between each letter that follows.

Correct spacing is the key to legible lettering. Good readability and appearance of
lettering depend upon good spacing besides the shapes of letters. It is good rule to keep letters
close to each other with much wider space between words. Some letters in combination need
special attention in spacing. Letters such as L and T, A and V, maybe overlapped in clearance
between if necessary to secure good spacing. In some cases, the with of a letter maybe
shortened when followed by A. Letters with parallel stems appear to be close together than
they really are (M and N). To overcome this, increase the space between these parallel sides
until the white areas between these letters appear the same as the white areas between the
other letters.
The space between words should be equal the height of a letter or width of letter O.
The space between lines of lettering should be equal to the height of the letter and distance
between sentences equal to double width of letter O.

GUIDELINES

Uniformity in height, inclination, spacing and strength of line is essential for good
lettering. Uniformity in height and inclination is controlled by the use of guidelines and the
slope lines, uniformity in width by the skillfull use of pencil and proper control of the
pressure of its point on the paper.

Guidelines are fine, light and curve lines to help make the lettering straight and
uniform. Guidelines are essential lines for good lettering and must be made lightly that they
need not to be erased. Very light horizontal lines are necessary to regulate the height of the
letters. Light vertical or inclined lines are necessary to keep the letter uniformity vertical or
inclined.

Guidelines for Capital letters

Guidelines for Small letters

Guidelines term defined

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1. Cap line – uppermost horizontal guidelines drawn for both capital letters and small letters.
2. Waist line – a horizontal guideline between the cap line and base line and it is used to
determined general height of lowercase letters.
3. Base line – a horizontal guideline where all the letters stand or rest.
4. Drop line – a horizontal guideline drawn for letters with strokes that extend down below
the base line.
TECHNIQUES IN LETTERING
1. Know the proportion and shape of the letters. Have a clear image of the shapes of
letters before starting to letter.
2. Learn the order of strokes properly.
3. Know the composition of letters, spacing of letters, words and sentences. Legibility is
a key to good lettering.
4. Select lettering pencils carefully. Have a fairly soft pencil such as HB, F or H.
5. Sharpen pencil to a long conical point.
6. Acquire “snap” or “bearing down” at the beginning and at the end of each stroke to
make them definite.
7. Rotate the pencil for every few strokes to keep the wear of the pencil lead
symmetrical.
8. Hold the pencil properly with the forearm on the drawing board. Never letter with the
forearm off the drawing board.
9. Always letter with guidelines to make the letters straight and uniform. A good
draftsman never letters without guidelines.
10. Have a real determination to improve. Constant correct practice makes perfect.
Lettering is freehand drawing, not writing. Do not use straight edge in lettering.

Order of Strokes of Gothic Letters and Numerals

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Remember this letters

 “TOM Q VACY” are 6 units wide

 “I” is only 1 unit and the narrowest letter in the alphabet
 “W” is the only letter over 8 units wide
 The rest of the letters are 5 units wide
 Letters O, Q, G, C, and D are based on the true circle. The lower portions of “J”
and “U” are elliptical. No. 8 is composed of two ellipses. The 3, 5 and 2 are based
on the O. the 0, 6, and 9 are also elliptical.

TOMQVAXY = 6x6 units

W = 8x6 units
I = 1x6 units
The rest of the Letters = 5x6 units
Numerals = 4x6 units

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42
References:

Gellekanao, Teresita P. Handbook in Technical Drawing

Acana, Nestor, Technical Drawing Handbook

Esguerra, Molina, Exploratory Drafting

Fajardo, Max B. Simplified Construction Estimate

Cardenas, E. J. el Al, Technical Drafting I

Giesecke, F. et al, Technical Drawing

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