Lines and Symbols

L INE TYPES and symbols are the

common language of drafting and
manufacturing. They represent a
language that decodes technical and
mechanical drawings. These standardized
drawing elements allow for a common
interpretation of the drawings when read
by architects, engineers, manufacturers,
construction supervisors, HVAC
contractors, pipefitters, and electricians.
Learning to read and decode lines and
symbols requires practice.

Objective:

þ Review line types and weights, and interpret technical drawing symbols.

Key Terms:

Ñ bill of materials
break lines
extension lines
hidden lines
mechanical drawings
section lines
center lines leader lines solid lines
dashed lines leaders symbols
dimension lines line types technical drawings
drawing scale line weights

Line Types, Line Weights, and Symbols

Technical drawings are graphic representations of objects or concepts that use a universal
language of graphic symbols. Technical drawing (drafting) is a form of drawing used by archi-
tects, engineers, artists, and designers. Technical drawings have standardized elements, includ-
ing:

t Line types and weights

t Symbols

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 t Layout
t Text
t View projections
t Dimensioning
t Descriptive geometry

Mechanical drawings are

technical drawings that provide
information about mechanical
systems: HVAC, electrical,
plumbing, etc. Other terms for
mechanical drawing are “engi-
neering drawings” and “blue-
prints.” Engineering drawings
express geometry—the shape of
an object from different angles. FIGURE 1. Engineering drawings express geometry—the shape of an object
from different angles. Learning to visualize the workpiece from a drawing
They also show dimensions, requires you to interpret the lines and symbols on a mechanical drawing.
materials, and the finish for the
object.
On mechanical drawings, lines, line types, and line weights are used to represent different
parts or forms of products. Each line represents a feature or a material within the object. Lines
are used to define the outlines of materials or to suggest reference points for locating objects.

LINE TYPES AND WEIGHTS

Various line types and weights are used. The type and weight selected are based on what the
line represents.

Line Types
Line types are line patterns. Each line type is recognized as a typical symbol or object in
the construction and manufacturing industries. Following are the standard types of lines used
in technical drawings.

t Solid lines are continuous lines used to represent a visible object that can be seen in
plan, elevation, or 3D views. Solid lines can represent the outlines of tools or the edge
lines of manufactured parts. Also, they are used as leader lines and dimension lines.
t Hidden lines are object edges invisible on 2D drawings and in 3D views. They are com-
posed of short dashed lines; they may represent features (parts or edges) on the opposite
side of the product or on the inside of a product or material. Hidden lines are useful to
show the extent of a material beyond the line of sight.

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 t Dashed lines are patterns
of long dashes compared to
those used to indicate hid-
den lines. Dashed lines are
used to show items above or
behind an object or the view
of the drawing and may indi-
cate shelving or cabinets
above a counter.
t Center lines are a series of
long lines and short dashes
used as reference points to
designate the center of an
object. They can be used as
reference points for manu-
facturing parts or to desig-
nate cutouts. Center lines FIGURE 2. Which line types are represented on this technical drawing of an
may represent centers of cir- internal combustion engine?
cles and arcs or the center
axis of a circular or symmetrical form. In some cases, they may not be shown in isometric
projections, depending on the use of the drawing.
t Dimension lines are lines that indicate the measurements (dimensions) of objects,
including length, width, height, diameter, etc. They are drawn with thin, solid lines and
are parallel to the lines/features they are dimensioning. Typically, arrowheads are affixed
to either end of dimension lines. Some dimension lines have an open space in the center
in which to place the measurement.
t Extension lines are thin solid lines that indicate the two end points of a feature being
dimensioned out to the dimension line. They show the exact location of the dimension.
Extension lines cross object lines, center lines, and hidden lines. To avoid confusion,
however, they do not cross dimension lines. Drafters and designers attempt to extend all
dimension lines beyond the object and then locate the dimension statistics outside of the
object to keep the drawing clear and less cluttered.
t Leaders are lines that connect specific notes, references, or descriptions to objects or
lines in drawings. Leaders are sometimes called leader lines. Leader lines are lines that
begin as solid lines and end in arrowheads; they may be drawn at an angle or curved
where the text is located. Typically, the end of the leader (near the text) is drawn on the
outside of the object.
t Break lines are long and short lines with Z breaks for flat objects and S breaks for
round objects. Solid, thick freehand lines are used for short break lines. Solid, thin-ruled
lines are used for long breaks. Break lines reduce the size of drawings so they can be
shown on smaller sheets of paper.
t Section lines are lines that show a cutaway view of a floor plan using repeating “dash,
dot, dot” patterns. They are used in section drawings to show that a cut has been made
through solid material. The portion of the drawing that represents the solid material is

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 filled with section lines.
Typically, section lines are
thin lines; they are usually
shown at a 45-degree angle.
The section line repeats
fairly close together, and all
are parallel to one another.

Line Weights
Line weights are the light-
ness or darkness and the thickness
(width) of the lines. The number
of line weights in a drawing may FIGURE 3. Line types are standard in the field, and one technical drawing can
vary, but most drawings use three use 20 to 30 different types.
line weights. Architects, builders,
manufacturers, and others use design drawings to complete tasks. The lines must be crisp and
dark to ensure accurate interpretation of the line weights by all professionals.

t Light line weights are used to show details within a material and to represent potential
object movement (e.g., door swings and hinge direction). In a section cut, the wood grain
or material designation pattern would be drawn with light line weights. In general, action
lines, information lines (e.g., dimension lines, center lines, and leader lines), and fill pat-
terns are drawn with light lines.

FURTHER EXPLORATION…
ONLINE CONNECTION:
The Alphabet of Lines in
Technical Drawing
Line types—section lines, cutting-plane lines, and
center lines—can be difficult to interpret at first. It may
be confusing to learn to draw all the line types. With
practice, drawing line types becomes easier. Visit this
link to help visualize the various line types and how they
are used: [Link]
The%20Alphabet%20of%[Link]

Practice interpreting technical drawings, such as this

one of a piston rod with a clipping path.

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 t Medium line weights are used to indicate the outline of a material or form within an
object, especially secondary objects. Secondary objects include doors, furnishings, coun-
ters, and cabinets. In detail sections, medium line weights can be used to designate visible
lines between materials.
t Heavy line weights are reserved to show the outline of a primary object’s entire detail or
element. These weights can be used to designate the visible line around the outside of
products (e.g., walls in plan view or the outline of the perimeter of an elevation or 3D
object). Heavy lines are bold, dark, and thick.
t Halftone line weights are any in gray scale. They are used to indicate patterns within
materials or to indicate joints or folds on elevation drawings.

TECHNICAL DRAWING SYMBOLS

You must be familiar with symbols to properly interpret technical drawings.

Title Blocks
Title blocks for technical drawings and renderings include:

t The name of the company or organization

t The final issue date
t Any pertinent information about the drawing/project
t The print name and reference number or letter
t A bill of materials, which is a listing of all parts and/or materials by name, the number
of each part required, and the material callout (e.g., plastic or steel) for each part

Reference Number
The drawing’s reference number identifies each drawing in a set. There are usually multiple
drawings (or sheets) in a project set. Drawings that convey similar information are grouped
with a common number or letter code.

Cover Sheet
Cover sheets list all the drawings that exist in a set with their reference numbers. They list
all symbols, terms (and definitions), and abbreviations used on the print set.

Drawing Scale
Drawing scale is the ratio (a comparison) at which real objects have been reduced or
enlarged. Prints drawn to scale allow the objects to be rendered accurately and precisely. Scales
may be metric or standard. The scale represents the length in the drawing followed by a colon

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 and the matching length on the real object. The following examples are in standard measure
(e.g., inches and feet):

t 1 inch = 1 inch or 1:1—This scale is interpreted as 1 inch on the drawing and is equal to
1 inch on the actual object or full size. The measured distance on the drawing is the actual
size of the object.
t 1/2 inch = 1 foot or 1:24—This scale is interpreted as 1/2 inch on the drawing equals 1 foot
on the actual object. It is called half scale. If a part measures 13/4 inches on the drawing,
the actual size of the part is 31/2 feet.
t Other common manufacturing scale ratios are:
l 1:4 is 3 inches = 1 foot 0 inches
l 1:8 is 11/2 inches = 1 foot 0 inches
l 1:32 is 3/8 inch = 1 foot 0 inches
l 1:48 is 1/4 inch = 1 foot 0 inches

Symbols and Notes

Symbols are graphic elements that convey information about features on technical draw-
ings or renderings. Drafters and engineers use standard symbols and terminology to commu-
nicate design specifications. Symbols help create clear and organized prints. Generally, stan-
dard symbols and notes are used in conjunction with a plan, elevation, section, or detail
drawings.
Notes (text) are used with symbols to clarify drawing features and to call out specifications.
Notes include terminology to describe or explain design features or parts. Notes are brief and
concise. In addition, notes often have leaders that extend straight from the notes to the loca-
tions where they apply. For example, a brief note used for a part specification would be “CUT
OUT.” Symbol types are:

t Material and graphic symbols may look different in elevations versus plans and section
drawings.

FURTHER EXPLORATION…
ONLINE CONNECTION: Drafting Symbols
Across all industries, drafting lines and symbols are a common language for architects, engineers,
manufacturers, construction supervisors, HVAC contractors, pipefitters, and electricians. Technical and
mechanical drawings all use the “common language” of symbols drawn to an industry agreed-upon stan-
dard. Learning to decode these lines and symbols is a step in advancing your career in technical drawing
and/or manufacturing. To review the common symbols, visit the following:

[Link]

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 t Material symbols are located in a “material legend.” The legend includes all materials
used in the drawing, and the symbols for the materials are located in a small rectangle
with the names next to them. Material symbols “fill in” the outline of a shape or object on
the drawing and represent the object’s real material (e.g., brick or stone). Most material
symbols in elevation plans look like the actual material or object. Material symbols in a
section plan show the object as if it were sliced in half to show its composition.
t Graphic symbols are used to reference other drawings or schedules. These symbols have a
coded letter and/or number to direct a person to the correct drawing. These reference
symbols are typically the same in all types of drawings. The numbers and/or letters are
enclosed in a circle, rectangle, triangle, or other basic geometry.

Summary:

2 Technical drawings are graphic representations of objects or concepts that use a

universal language of graphic symbols. Mechanical drawings are technical drawings
that provide information about mechanical systems: HVAC, electrical, plumbing,
etc. On mechanical drawings, lines, line types, and line weights are used to repre-
sent different parts or forms of a product.

Line type is the pattern of the line. Each line type is recognized as a typical symbol
or object in the construction and manufacturing industries. Following are the stan-
dard types of lines used in technical drawings: solid, hidden, dashed, center, dimen-
sion, extension, leaders, break, and section. Line weight is the lightness or darkness
and the thickness (width) of the line. The number of line weights in a drawing may
vary; most drawings use three line weights. Line weights include light, medium,
heavy, and halftone.

Symbols are graphic elements that convey information about a feature on a techni-
cal drawing or rendering; they help create clear and organized prints. Drafters and
engineers use standard symbols and terminology to communicate design specifica-
tions.

Checking Your Knowledge:

´ 1. Describe line types.

2. Describe line weights.
3. How are leaders or leader lines used in technical drawings?
4. Differentiate between common line weights.
5. Draw five line types. Describe the use of each line type you drew.

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 Expanding Your Knowledge:

L There are many tutorials—online and offline—that demonstrate and explain how to
use lines and symbols on prints. Do some research, and see what you can learn.
Write a two-page paper summarizing what you learned from the tutorials you uti-
lized.

Web Links:

: Drawing Conventions and Abbreviations

[Link]
[Link]

Symbols Used on Prints

[Link]

Architectural Symbols
[Link]

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