Architectural Lines and Lettering

Line CharacteristicsEach line conveys a particular meaningThicker lines are more dominant and intended to be seenThinner lines are subordinate but just as importantLighter lines are used as guides for drawing other features or for lettering properly

Types of LinesConstruction lines - Used for drawing layout and drawn lightlyGuidelines - Used to properly align lettersObject lines - Drawn to define outline and characteristic featuresHidden lines - Represents features that are not visible

Types of LinesExtension lines - Shows the extent of the dimensionDimension lines - Shows the length of the dimensionLeader lines - Used to connect notes to related featuresBreak lines - Drawn freehand to show the termination of a feature

Examples of Lines

Line TechniquesPrepare sketches before beginning drawingDo layout with construction linesMake all horizontal lines on drawing firstDraw all vertical linesPlace symbols on accordinglyAdd lettering and keep drawing clean

Pencil Line Methods on VellumAll lines should be consistently dark and crispUse a lead of proper hardnessRotate mechanical pencil and hold at 45Maintain a constant pressure on the pencilDraw all lines only once or double lines may occur

Polyester Lead Methods on FilmPolyester lead is faster than ink and is better qualityAlways draw on the mat sideDraw lines in one directionUse a light touch to reduce smearing and embossingUse a vinyl eraser to remove lines

Lettering TermsComposition - Spacing, layout, and appearance of the textJustify - Text alignmentFont - An assortment of one size and style of lettering or textStyle - A set of text characters

Metric Lettering RulesGive 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

General Lettering TipsBe conservative with letters and do not add to much flair to the lettersKeep letters consistentUse guidelinesMinimum size is 1/8 Titles are 3/16 or 1/4

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More Lettering TipsUse 0.5mm automatic pencil with H, F, or HB leadRest hand on clean protective sheetKeep vertical lines farther apart than angles or curved linesRelax and be comfortableSlanted letters should be at about 68

Lettering EquipmentUse an Ames Lettering Guide for guidelinesLettering machines can be used to produce drawing titles, labels, or special headingsTransfer letters and symbols are individually burnished onto the drawing Sticky back letters are produced on a computer and adhered to the drawing

CADD LetteringText is consistently placed in shape and sizeText is easily modifiedTEXT command is used to specify the text characteristicsScale factor establishes the scale between the drawing and the textInsertion point indicates where the text starts