Mapua University: School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Mapua University
School of Mechanical and

Manufacturing Engineering
ALPHABETS OF LINES
RESEARCH 1
Tanbonliong, Johann Mathew V. Date Perfomed:

2014105427 16, JUNE 2020
ME123L-2 / A5 Date Submitted:
18, JUNE 2020
Engr. Paul John C. Atienza

Instructor
Technical drawings provide clear and accurate information
how an object is to be manufactured. It shows and
describes clearly and accurately the information required
building or manufacturing a product.
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. Contractors,
estimators, tradesmen and builders rely totally on
technical drawings for the information they need to build,
construct and manufacture a product. To work in design
and manufacturing industries, the study of technical
drawing –ability to prepare, read and interpret technical
drawing is essential.
Line symbols used in technical drawing are often referred
to as ALPHABET OF LINES. The use of line symbols enables
engineers/designers to express 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 thickness and darkness to express contrast as
well as importance. Lines that are less important are thin
and light.
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.
Lines in technical drawings are part of a specialized graphic

language that is standardized throughout industry. Each
type of line has a very precise symbolic meaning. Correct
usage of this "alphabet of lines" is essential whether you
use traditional drafting methods or CAD.
 Line weight is the thickness of the line.

 Construction lines and guide lines are very light, easily
erased lines used to block in the main layout.
 Visible lines are the edges or "outlines" of an object.
They are drawn as solid lines with a thick/heavy
weight.
All other lines contrast with the visible lines by having
either a thinner weight and/or a combination of dashes.
ALPHABETS OF LINES:
1. OBJECT OR VISIBLE LINES – Thick dark line use to show outline of object,
visible edges and surfaces.
2. CONSTRUCTION LINE – Very light and thin line use to construct layout work.
3. 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.
4. HIDDEN LINE – Short dash lines use to show non visible surfaces. Usually shows
as medium thickness.
5. CENTRE LINE – Long and short dash lines. Usually indicates centre of holes,
circles and arcs. Line is thin and dark.
6. EXTENSION LINE – Thin and dark line use to show the starting and ending of
dimension.
7. CUTTING PLANE LINE – Extra thick line use to show cutaway views or plane of
projection where a section view is taken. Arrow indicates direction of view.
8. SHORT AND LONG BREAK LINES –Short and long medium line use to show
cutaway view of a long section.
9. LEADER LINE – Medium line with arrowhead to show notes or label for size or
special information about a feature.
10. PHANTOM LINE – Long line followed by two short dashes use to show alternate
position of a moving part.
11. SECTION LINE – Medium lines drawn at 45 degrees use to show interior view of
solid areas of cutting plane line.
Additional info of alphabets of lines:

REFERENCE:
https://www.umasd.org/cms/lib7/PA01000379/Centricity/
Domain/325/The_Alphabet_of_Lines.pdf
https://schoolworkhelper.net/technical-drawing-alphabet-
of-line/
https://swh-826d.kxcdn.com/wp-
content/uploads/2011/05/ALPHABET-OF-LINE-12.jpg
https://swh-826d.kxcdn.com/wp-
content/uploads/2011/05/Alphabet-of-Lines-diagram.jpg
https://wheelerdrafting.weebly.com/uploads/5/7/3/8/573
88109/alphabet_of_lines.pdf

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Mapua University

School of Mechanical and

Tanbonliong, Johann Mathew V. Date Perfomed:

Engr. Paul John C. Atienza

Lines in technical drawings are part of a specialized graphic

 Line weight is the thickness of the line.

Additional info of alphabets of lines:

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