Alphabet of Lines2

ALPHABET OF LINES
OBJECTIVES – Standard VI & Standard VII

Interpret plans, diagrams, and working drawings.
Apply appropriate technical and graphic

communication in the technological systems.
Identify Line Types for the Alphabet of Lines
Construct lines properly on drawings.
Hierarchy of lines
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
Why is drafting considered a universal language?
Why is it important to recognize the alphabet of

lines?
What is the hierarchy of lines?

Drafting as a Language
Drafting is called a “universal language”
Symbols (lines and figures) have specific meaning
are used.
The symbols accurately describe the shape, size,
material, finish, and fabrication or assembly of a
product.
Drafting as a Language
Drafting is also known as the “language of industry”
Industry uses this precise language because the
drawings must communicate the information the
designer had in mind to those who produce the
product.
Why Study Drafting?
Drafting is a form of graphic communication.
“A picture is worth a thousand words.”
Meaning - A picture tells a story just as well as a
large amount of descriptive text.
“A picture is worth a thousand words.”
ALPHABET OF LINES
Industry standard classifying the different types of
lines used in drawings.
Developed by the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME).
Lines are classified by line thickness and drawn thin or
thick.
Thick lines are typically drawn with a 0.7 mm or 0.9 mm
mechanical pencil.
Thin lines are typically drawn with a 0.3 mm or 0.5 mm
mechanical pencil.
LINE TYPES
CONSTRUCTION
Used to initially lay out a drawing.
Used for guide lines for lettering.
Draw very light and thin so they are barely visible.
Draw with a 0.5 mm pencil.

VISIBLE/OBJECT
These lines are thick

and dark solid
(unbroken) lines that
are used on drawings to
indicate the edges and
details of an object.
These lines should be the most prominent on the

drawing as they are drawn thicker (wider) than most
other lines. We will use the 0.9 mm pencil.
HIDDEN
These lines are medium

dashed lines used to
indicate a surface, edge,
or contour of an object
that cannot be seen, or
is hidden from view.
The dashed lines are 1/8” long with a 1/16” space.
Hidden lines will be drawn with a 0.7 mm pencil.
CENTER
These lines are thin

lines made up of
alternating long and
short dashes. They are
used to indicate the
center of circles and of The short dashed lines are 1/8”
symmetrical features. long, the space is 1/16”, & the
Also as an aid in long line ranges from 3/4” to 1
dimensioning. ½”. Lines will be drawn with
0.5 mm pencil
SECTION
Section lines are thin

“cross hatching” lines
used in sectional
views to symbolize
different parts of an
object or different Section lines are normally drawn
materials from which at a 45° with a 0.5 mm pencil.
an object is
manufactured.
DIMENSION, EXTENSION, & LEADER

lines (0.5 mm)used for
dimensioning purposes.
Dimension and leader
lines generally end with
arrowheads and are
Extension lines aid dimension
accompanied by a number
lines by extending the surface
indicating a size or location
of the object so it can be
dimensions.
dimesioned.
CUTTING PLANE OR VIEWING PLANE
These lines are very thick

lines (0.9 mm) that
indicate where an
imaginary cutting plane
passes through an
object, for viewing or Arrowheads on both ends of
sectioning purpose. the line point to the surface
to be viewed.
BREAK
These lines are used to

shorten a view, or to
eliminate repetitive
details when an entire
view is not necessary.
Short break lines are thick wavy freehand lines.
Long break lines are thin straight zigzags.
PHANTOM

lines used to
indicate alternate
positions of moving
parts, lines of
motion, adjacent
parts and repetitive They are similar in style to a
details. Cutting Plane Line, but much
thinner in weight.
Hierarchy of Line
It is not uncommon for line types to coincide or
overlap in a drawing.
When visible lines, hidden lines, or center lines

coincide in the same view, a preferred line is
illustrated.
That chosen line is determined by what is called

the Precedence of Lines.
Hierarchy of Line
This list ranks the line type precedence from highest to
lowest:
 Object or visible line
 Hidden line
 Cutting plane line
 Center line
 Break line
 Dimension and extension lines
 Sectioning lines
Hierarchy of Line
In the example you can see
where lines coincide with
one another line from the
front view to the side view.
Hierarchy of Line
The “X” lines are object
lines which overlap the
hidden line of the circles
(holes). The object line
has precedence over the
hidden line which means
the object line is drawn.
Hierarchy of Line
The “Y” line is an object
line which overlaps the
center line of the large
circle. The object line has
precedence over the
center line which means
the object line is drawn.
Hierarchy of Line
The “Z” line is a hidden
line. Although the center
line for the small circle
(hole) is in front of the
hidden line, the hidden
line has precedence over
the center line and is
therefore shown instead
of the center line.
REVIEW
Why is drafting considered a universal language?
Even though people around the world speak different
languages, the graphic language (symbols & line types) has
remained common.
Why is it important to recognize the alphabet of lines?
The lines in the Alphabet of Lines are used to describe shape,
size, hidden surfaces, interior detail, and alternate positions
of parts.
Each conveys a particular meaning on the drawing.
What is the hierarchy of lines?
The order in which lines are drawn when more than one line
type is located in the same location on a drawing.
REVIEW
What line starts and ends with a dash?
HIDDEN LINE
What lines should be the most prominent on the
drawing?
OBJECT LINE
What line is drawn the lightest and thinnest for
laying out the drawing?
CONSTRUCTION LINE

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ALPHABET OF LINES

OBJECTIVES – Standard VI & Standard VII

Apply appropriate technical and graphic

Identify Line Types for the Alphabet of Lines

Construct lines properly on drawings.

Why is it important to recognize the alphabet of

What is the hierarchy of lines?

Used for guide lines for lettering.

Draw very light and thin so they are barely visible.

Draw with a 0.5 mm pencil.

These lines are thick

These lines should be the most prominent on the

These lines are medium

These lines are thin

Section lines are thin

These lines are thin

These lines are very thick

These lines are used to

These lines are thin

When visible lines, hidden lines, or center lines

That chosen line is determined by what is called

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