CHAPTER 2

LINES IN ENGINEERING DRAWINGS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

A. identify line types used in technical drawings
B. interpret dimensioning on technical drawings
C. use professional lettering techniques

The purpose of Engineering drawings is to convey objective facts, whereas artistic drawings
convey an emotion or artistic sensitivity in some way.
Engineering drawings and sketches need to display simplicity and uniformity, and they must be
executed with speed.

Engineering drawing has evolved into a language that uses an extensive set of conventions to
convey information very precisely, with very little ambiguity.

Standardization is also very important, as it aids internationalization; that is, people from different
countries who speak different languages can read the same engineering drawing and interpret it the
same way. To that end, drawings should be as free of notes and abbreviations as possible so that the
meaning is conveyed graphically.

In the world of engineering, precision is paramount. Every detail, no matter how minute, can have a
significant impact on the functionality and safety of a design. This is where the mastery of
different types of lines in engineering drawing comes into play.

Standard lines have been developed so that every drawing or sketch conveys the same meaning to
everyone. In order to convey that meaning, the lines used in technical drawings have both a definite
pattern and a definite thickness.

LINE
 Lines are defined as elements with no breadth but unlimited length (magnitude). Lines
can be drawn in any direction.
 Lines are used to illustrate and describe the shape and size of objects that will later
become real parts.

A line is the fundamental, and perhaps the single-most important, entity on an engineering
drawing. Lines in engineering drawing are more than just strokes on paper; they convey
critical information, dimensions, and details that guide the construction of complex
structures, machinery, and systems.

A. Some lines are complete and others are broken.

B. Some lines are thick and others are thin.
 A visible line, for example, is used to show the edges (or “outline”) of an object and to make
it stand out for easy reading. This line is made thick and dark.

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  On the other hand, a centre line, which locates the precise centre of a hole or shaft, is drawn
thin and made with long and short dashes. This makes it easily distinguishable from the
visible line.

When you draw, use a fairly sharp pencil of the correct grade and try to maintain an even,
consistent pressure to make it easier for you to produce acceptable lines (Figure 1).

Figure 2.1 – Lead grade and usage

To properly read and interpret drawings, you must know the meaning of each line and understand
how each is used to construct a drawing.

Each type of line serves a unique purpose, and understanding when and how to use them is the
hallmark of a skilled drafter or engineer. It’s not just about making drawings look neat; it is about
conveying vital information accurately and comprehensively.

 Clear Communication: Lines are the language of engineering drawings. Mastery ensures that
your ideas are communicated clearly, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
 Accuracy: Different lines denote different features. By using the right line types, you ensure
that measurements and proportions are precise, leading to accurate constructions.
 Efficiency: Efficient drawings save time and resources during the manufacturing or construction
phase. Knowing which lines to use streamlines the process.
 Compliance: Certain industries or projects have standards for line usage. Mastery ensures that
your drawings comply with these standards, which is essential for regulatory approval and
safety.
 Visual Clarity: Properly mastered lines make drawings visually appealing and easy to read. This
can enhance collaboration and understanding among team members.

Significance of Lines in Engineering Drawing

 Clarity and Communication: Lines are fundamental elements in engineering drawings that
convey information, define shapes, and illustrate relationships between components. They
provide a clear and standardized way to communicate design and technical details.
 Precision: Lines in engineering drawings ensure precision in dimensions, tolerances, and
geometric relationships, which is critical for manufacturing and construction processes.
 Visualization: Lines aid in visualizing complex structures and mechanisms, helping engineers
and designers to assess the feasibility and functionality of their designs.
 Documentation: Engineering drawings serve as legal and historical records of designs, making
lines an essential part of documenting the entire product development process.

The ten most common are often referred to as the “alphabet of lines.” Let’s look at an explanation
and example of each type. Figure 2.2 shows these ten-line types and how to draw them.

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TYPES OF LINES IN ENGINEERING DRAWING
Lines, in engineering drawings, serve as a visual language, conveying crucial information about the
design, dimensions, and features of a structure or component. Mastering the various types of
lines is essential for precision and clarity in engineering drawings.

Figure 2 – Line Types and Techniques

Lines play an important role in the engineering industry. Explaining a complex drawing in words
is impossible and hence, engineering drawing has become the worldwide language of engineers,
designers, technicians, and craftsmen. The shape, scale, and interrelation of a complex thing can
easily be transmitted using engineering drawings. Every engineering drawing has various types of
lines in it and so, lines are a major part of the graphic language.

 Lines used in any engineering drawing may be straight or curved. Lines locate two points
that are not in the same location but fall along the line. A straight line denotes the

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 shortest distance between two points. Straight and curved lines are parallel when the
shortest distance between them remains constant.
 Again, lines are differentiated as thick lines (0.6 mm thickness), thin lines (0.3 mm thick),
Continuous lines, dashed lines, freehand lines, zigzag lines, chain lines, etc.

The various types of lines used on engineering drawings form the alphabet of the drafting language.
Like letters of the alphabet, they have different appearances. These are various types of lines
commonly used in technical drawings, engineering, and architectural drafting. Here are the key
types of lines you’ll encounter.

1. Break Lines: Break lines are used to represent a long object or feature that is too large to be
shown in its entirety on a drawing. They typically consist of zigzag or squiggly lines to indicate
where the object has been broken for the sake of clarity. They are continuous line or series o line
segments, as a series or dashes, made o segments meeting at oblique angles.

Practical Usage:
 They are used to show where an object is broken to save drawing space or reveal interior
features.
 Break lines are commonly used in architectural and engineering drawings to simplify
complex structures or features.
 They help to reduce clutter and make the drawing more readable by showing only the
relevant portion of the object.

Break lines are drawn to show that a part has been shortened to reduce its size on the
drawing.
Break lines serve many purposes. They are used to shorten the view of long, uniform sections,
which saves valuable drawing space, Figure 2–2(A). They are used to remove a segment of a part,
which serves no useful purpose on the drawing, which saves valuable drawing or sketching time,
Figure 2–2(B). The break line shown here is one of several break line styles used on engineering
drawings.

A. Shortening Length

B. Not Showing Unnecessary Detail

The two variations of break lines common to blueprints are the long break line and the short
break line (Figure 11).

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 Figure 11 – Break line

Long break lines are thin solid lines that have zigzags to indicate a break. Short break lines are
thick, wavy solid lines that are drawn freehand. When either of these break lines is used to
shorten an object, you can assume that the section removed from the part is identical to the
portions shown on either side of the break.

2. Centerlines: Centerlines indicate a circular feature. They are used to indicate the center of a
cylindrical or symmetrical object. They consist of alternating long and short dashes.

Practical Usage:
 Centerlines are crucial for dimensioning and specifying the location of features relative to the
center of an object.
 They help ensure symmetry and proper alignment of components in mechanical drawings,
machine design, and architectural plans.

Centre lines (Figure 5) are used in drawings for several different applications. The meaning of a
centre line is normally determined by how it is used. Centre lines are thin, alternating long and
short dashes that are generally used to show hole centres and centre positions of rounded
features, such as arcs and radii. Arcs are sections of a circle, and radii are rounded corners or
edges of a part. Centre lines can also show the symmetry of an object.

Figure 5 – Centre lines

3. Construction Lines:
In the initial sketch, light thin solid lines are used to develop the shape and location of
features. These construction lines are normally left on the sketch.

Definition: Construction lines are lightly drawn lines used as temporary guides while creating a
drawing. They are not part of the final drawing and are often drawn in a faint color or with
dashed lines.

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 Practical Usage: Construction lines are essential for aligning and positioning other elements
accurately in a drawing. They help in creating precise geometry, ensuring that various
components are correctly placed and aligned.

4. Curved Lines (Arcs, Circles, and Ellipses): These lines represent curved or circular
features/shapes in a drawing. Curved lines represent features that are not straight. Arcs, circles,
and ellipses are drawn using curved lines.

Practical Usage: Curved lines are fundamental in illustrating round or curved components, such
as wheels, gears, pipes, and architectural elements like arches and domes. Accurate
representation of curves is crucial for dimensioning and design. They are used to depict arcs,
circles, and ellipses.

5. Cutting Plane Lines: These are thick (0.6 mm) dashed lines that are extend past the edge of the
object 4 mm and have line segments at each end drawn at 90 ° and terminated with arrows. The
arrows represent the direction of the line of sight for the section view and they point away from
the sectioned view.
Cutting plane lines are used in sectional views to indicate where the object has been cut for a
cross-sectional view to reveal its internal features. They are typically labeled with section
symbols.

Importance:
 Clarity: Cutting plane lines help to clearly depict the internal structure of complex objects,
which might not be evident in regular views.
 Understanding: They allow viewers to understand how an object is assembled or how its
internal components are arranged.
 Dimensioning: Cutting plane lines aid in dimensioning objects in sectional views, as
dimensions can be taken directly from the cut surfaces.

Cutting plane lines, Fig. 9 show the location and path of imaginary cuts made through parts to
show internal details. In most cases, sectional views (or views that show complicated internal
details of a part) are indicated by using a cutting plane line. These lines are thick, alternating
long lines separated by two short dashes. The arrowheads at each end show the viewing
direction of the related sectional view. The two main types of cutting plane lines are the straight
and the offset.

C
utting plane lines with two arrow styles
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 Figure 9 – Cutting plane lines

6. Dashed Lines: It means interior and hidden parts of a machine or product in drawing which is
not shown. It is a line made up of dots. They consist of evenly spaced dashes or short strokes and
gaps or breaks in between.

Versatile Applications:
Dashed lines are used for a variety of purposes in technical drawings, such as indicating hidden
features, boundaries, or dimensions:
 Hidden Features: Dashed lines are commonly used to represent hidden or concealed
features within an object, such as internal structures or hidden edges.
 Boundaries: They can be used to delineate boundaries or outlines of objects or areas within
a drawing.
 Dimensions: Dashed lines are often used for dimension lines, especially in architectural
drawings, where they provide a clear indication of measurements.
 Centerlines: Dashed lines can also serve as centerlines to indicate symmetry or the center
of cylindrical objects.

7. Dimension Lines: Dimension lines are used to indicate the size, length, width, or height of an
object in a drawing. They have arrowheads at each end and are accompanied by dimension
numbers.

Role: Dimension lines play a critical role in providing precise measurements and ensuring that
the dimensions of objects are accurately conveyed in the drawing.

Dimension and extension lines, Figure 6, are thin, solid lines that show the direction, length,
and limits of the dimensions of a part.

Figure 6 – Dimension and extension lines

Dimension lines are drawn with an arrowhead at both ends.

8. Extension Lines: Extension lines are used in conjunction with dimension lines to indicate the
points from which measurements are taken. They extend from the object’s surface to the points
where the dimension lines originate.

Extension lines are drawn close to, but never touching, the edges or surface they limit. They
should be perpendicular, or at right angles, to the dimension line. The length of extension lines
is generally suited to the number of dimensions they limit.

Extension lines should be kept unbroken and should not touch the object they are referencing
to maintain clarity in the drawing.
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 Role:
 Extension lines serve as visual guides for dimensioning.
 Extension lines help clarify which points or edges are being measured, ensuring that the
measurements are accurate and unambiguous.
 They connect the object being dimensioned to the dimension line.
 They play a crucial role in specifying exactly which part of the object is being measured,
helping prevent confusion or misinterpretation.

9. Hidden Lines: Hidden lines are used to represent features or edges that are not visible in the
current view but exist in other parts of the object. Hidden lines, used to describe features that
cannot be seen, are positioned on the view in the same manner as visible lines. These lines
consist of short, evenly spaced thin dashes and spaces. The dashes are three to four times
as long as the space. They are typically drawn as short dashes.
These lines should begin and end with a dash in contact with the line in which they start and end,
except when such a dash would form a continuation of a visible line
 Significance: Hidden lines in engineering drawings are used to represent features or edges
of an object that are not visible in the current view but exist in other parts of the object. They
are crucial for providing a clear understanding of an object’s internal or concealed details.
 Function: Hidden lines help engineers, architects, and drafters visualize and communicate
how various components fit together and how they interact within a complex assembly.
Without hidden lines, the drawing may be incomplete or misleading.

Hidden lines, Figure 4, are used to show edges and surfaces that are not visible in a view. These
lines are drawn as thin, evenly spaced dashes. A surface or edge that is shown in one view with
an object line will be shown in another view with a hidden line.

Figure 4 – Hidden lines

Dashes should join at corners. Figure 2–1 shows some hidden line applications.

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 Fig. 2–1 ■ Hidden lines

10. Isometric Lines: Isometric lines are used in isometric drawings, which are a type of 3D
representation. These lines are drawn at specific angles to show three dimensions in a 2D
drawing.
Creation:
 Isometric drawings are created by projecting three-dimensional objects onto a two-
dimensional plane.
 Isometric lines are drawn at specific angles to represent three dimensions in a 2D drawing.
By following a set of guidelines, engineers and drafters can create isometric drawings that
provide a three-dimensional view of an object, making it easier to visualize its form and
structure.

11. Leader Lines: A leader line is a thin, solid line with arrow drawn under an angle and indicates
the features with which a dimension or note is associated. Leader lines are straight or curved
lines that have an arrow or dot at one end and point to the object of interest. They typically
originate from a note, label, or callout and connect to the object or area being referenced.

Application: Leader lines are used to indicate specific components or details within a larger
assembly. Label dimensions, notes, or annotations and show which feature they refer to.
Improve the clarity and organization of engineering drawings by visually connecting notes and
labels to relevant elements. Leader lines are used to point to specific features or annotations in a
drawing.

Leader lines (Figure 7) show information such as dimensional notes, material specifications,
and process notes. These lines are normally drawn as thin, solid lines with an arrowhead at
one end. They are bent or angled at the start, but should always end horizontal at the notation.
When leader lines reference a surface, a dot is used instead of an arrowhead.

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 Figure 7 – Leader lines

Note that the symbol ø is used to indicate a diameter rather than the abbreviation “DIA.” The
number that immediately follows this symbol is the diameter of the hole, followed by the number
of holes that must be drilled to that dimension.

12. Orthographic Projection Lines: An orthographic

Orthographic projection lines are lines used in multi-view drawings to project the three-
dimensional object onto two-dimensional planes (e.g., front, top, and side views).

Orthographic projection lines are used in engineering drawings to create multiple 2D views of a
3D object. These lines represent the direction of view and the relationship between different
views (e.g., front, top, side) of an object.

Demystification: Multiview Drawings: Orthographic projections are essential for creating

multiview drawings, which provide comprehensive information about an object from various
angles. Orthographic Projection Rules: In orthographic projection, lines are drawn
perpendicular to the viewing plane and parallel to each other. They are used to represent the
true shape and size of the object’s features in each view. Orthographic Views: Common
orthographic views include the front, top, and side views. These views are aligned with the
principal axes of the object (X, Y, Z) to show it accurately in 2D.

13. Section or hatching Lines: They are a pattern of lines, often diagonal or hatched, that indicate
where the object has been cut to reveal its internal structure. They are lines that represent the
cut surface usually, consist of thin parallel lines, drawn at an angle of approximately 45° to the
principal edges or axes of the part. Section lines are used to fill in the area of a cross-sectional
view in a drawing.
 Cross-Sectional Views: Section lines play a critical role in cross-sectional views, allowing
engineers and manufacturers to understand how an object is constructed internally.
 Material Differentiation: Section lines help differentiate between different materials or
components within an object. For example, in architectural drawings, they can distinguish
between concrete, steel, and insulation in a wall.

Section lines, also known as hatch patterns, (Figure 10) indicate the surfaces in a sectional view
as they would appear if the part were actually cut along the cutting plane line. These are solid
lines that are normally drawn at 45-degree angles. Different symbols are used to represent
different types of materials.

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 Figure 10 – Section lines combined with cutting plane lines

14. Visible/Object Lines:

Most objects drawn in engineering offices are complicated and contain many surfaces and edges.
Thick solid lines, called visible lines. Visible lines clearly stand out on the drawing and define
the exterior shape of the object. However, many interior features, such as lines and holes,
cannot be seen when viewed from the outside of the part. To show these hidden features, a
special hidden line is used. Hidden and visible lines are used on engineering drawings to fully
describe both the exterior and interior of the part.

Thick continuous lines are used to indicate all visible edges of an object. These are known as
visible, or object, lines. They should stand out clearly in contrast to other lines so that the shape
of an object is quickly apparent to the eye. Other types of lines are normally drawn as thin lines.

These are thick continuous lines, used to OUTLINE the visible edges or contours of an object.
Visible lines are solid lines used to represent edges or features of an object that are visible in a
specific view of the drawing.

 Role: Visible lines are essential for conveying the external shape and appearance of an
object in a specific view. They define the boundaries, edges, and contours of the object
that are visible from that perspective.
 Clarity: Visible lines help viewers understand the shape, size, and configuration of the
object being depicted, ensuring that the drawing accurately reflects its external
appearance.

Object lines, Figure 3 are the most common lines used in drawings. These thick, solid lines show
the visible edges, corners, and surfaces of a part. Object lines stand out on the drawing and
clearly define the outline and features of the object.

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 Figure 3 – Object lines

15. Phantom lines: Phantom lines are long-short-short-long lines most often used to show
the travel or movement of an object or a part in alternate positions. Phantom lines are
drawn as thin, alternating long dashes separated by two short dashes.

 Phantom lines are used to show alternate positions for moving parts and the positions of
related or adjacent parts, and to eliminate repeated details.
 They are also used to show adjacent objects or features.

Phantom lines, Fig. 8, are used for several purposes in blueprints.

Figure 8 – Phantom lines

These different types of lines serve specific purposes in technical drawings and are essential for
conveying accurate and detailed information in engineering, architecture, and design.

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Self-Test
Now complete this mid-chapter self-test.

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