Architectural Lines

and Lettering
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
Examples of Lines
6
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
7
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
8
Polyester Lead Methods on
Film
Polyester lead is faster than ink and is
better quality
Always draw on the mat side
Draw lines in one direction
Use a light touch to reduce smearing and
embossing
Use a vinyl eraser to remove lines
9
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
10
Metric Lettering Rules
Give unit names in lower case (mm, m, kg)
Give proper names in upper case (K, Pa,
N)
Leave space between symbol and number
(21 mm)
Do not use plural metric symbols (m not
ms)
Do not mix names and symbols
11
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
12
P
r
i
n
t

t
h
i
s

p
a
g
e

f
o
r

a

r
e
f
e
r
e
n
c
e

13
More Lettering Tips
Use 0.5mm automatic pencil with H, F, or HB
lead
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
14
Lettering Equipment
Use an Ames Lettering Guide for guidelines
Lettering machines can be used to produce
drawing titles, labels, or special headings
Transfer letters and symbols are individually
burnished onto the drawing
Sticky back letters are produced on a
computer and adhered to the drawing
15
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