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 symmetrical
features. Also as an
aid in dimensioning.

SECTION
Section lines are
thin cross
hatching lines
used in sectional
views to symbolize
different parts of
Section lines are normally
an object or
different materials drawn at a 45 with a 0.5
mm pencil.
from which an
object is

DIMENSION, EXTENSION, & LEADER

These lines are thin

lines (0.5 mm)used for
Dimension
and leader
dimensioning
purposes.
lines
generally end with

arrowheads and are

accompanied by a
number indicating a
size or location
dimensions.

Extension lines aid

dimension lines by
extending the surface of
the object so it can be

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,
Arrowheads on both ends
for viewing or
sectioning purpose. of 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
These lines are
thin lines used to
indicate alternate
positions of
moving parts, lines
of motion,
adjacent parts and
repetitive details.
They are similar in style to a

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