1. Architectural Lines and Lettering
Chapter 5
Architectural Lines and Lettering

2. Links for Chapter 5 Types of Lines Line Techniques Lines with CADD
Lettering

3. Line Characteristics Each line conveys a particular meaning
Thicker lines are more dominant and intended to be seen
Thinner lines are subordinate but just as important
Lighter lines are used as guides for drawing other features or for lettering properly

4. Types of Lines
Construction lines - Used for drawing layout and drawn lightly
Guidelines - Used to properly align letters
Object lines - Drawn to define outline and characteristic features
Hidden lines - Represents features that are not visible
Line

5. Types of Lines Extension lines - Shows the extent of the dimension
Dimension lines - Shows the length of the dimension
Leader lines - Used to connect notes to related features
Break lines - Drawn freehand to show the termination of a feature

6. Examples of Lines

7. Line Techniques Prepare sketches before beginning drawing
Do layout with construction lines
Make all horizontal lines on drawing first
Draw all vertical lines
Place symbols on accordingly
Add lettering and keep drawing clean

8. Pencil Line Methods on Vellum
All lines should be consistently dark and crisp
Use a lead of proper hardness
Rotate mechanical pencil and hold at 45°
Maintain a constant pressure on the pencil
Draw all lines only once or double lines may occur

9. Inking on Film or Vellum
Ink on the matted side
Ink is wet until it turns from shiny to dull

10. Hints for Inking Hold the pen perpendicular
Move pen at a constant speed
Allow the pen to flow easily
Use spacer under the drafting tools
Periodically check the pen for leaks
Keep reservoir 1/4 to 3/4 full
Shake pen lightly to get the ink flowing

11. Lines with CADD
Lines are drawn using the LINE command between two Cartesian coordinate points
The Cartesian Coordinate System
Grid with one unit blocks
The “Y” axis is vertical
The “X” axis is horizontal
X=0 and Y=0 is the origin

12. Coordinate Systems Absolute Coordinate System
All points are measured from the origin (0,0)
Relative Coordinate System
Points are located from the previous points
Use symbol to add these coordinates
@-3,1 - draw line to the left three units and down one unit

13. Coordinate Systems Polar Coordinate System
Points are located from the previous points as a distance and an angle
Use symbol to indicate the distance
Use the < symbol to indicate the angle
@3<45 - draw line three units long at 45°

14. Picking Points with Cursor
GRID show the grid layout on the screen
SNAP forces the cursor to “snap” to a designated distance
Coordinates are displayed for quick reference in the coordinate display window

15. Lettering Terms
Composition - Spacing, layout, and appearance of the text
Justify - Text alignment
Font - An assortment of one size and style of lettering or text
Style - A set of text characters

16. General Lettering Tips
Be conservative with letters and do not add to much flair to the letters
Keep letters consistent
Use guidelines
Minimum size is 1/8”
Titles are 3/16” or 1/4”

17. More Lettering Tips Rest hand on clean protective sheet
Keep vertical lines farther apart than angles or curved lines
Relax and be comfortable
Slanted letters should be at about 68°

18. Lettering Equipment Use an Ames Lettering Guide for guidelines
Lettering machines can be used to produce drawing titles, labels, or special headings
Sticky back letters are produced on a computer and adhered to the drawing

19. CADD Lettering Text is consistently placed in shape and size
Text is easily modified
TEXT command is used to specify the text characteristics
Scale factor establishes the scale between the drawing and the text
Insertion point indicates where the text starts

20. The End!!
Questions???