Drafting Tips

Terminology on Line Types

It is useful to get used to a common terminology on line types. The 4 different line types featured below are the mostly used line types that will be required to make any architectural drawing.

Cut edge lines

The lines defining the edges of the surfaces that are created by a section plane are called the cut edge lines.

Far edge lines

The lines defining the edges of the surfaces that are visible beyond the section plane are called the far edge lines.

Hidden lines

The lines defining the objects that are hidden behind the visible objects are called hidden lines. Objects behind the camera are also represented by hidden lines. “Dashed” is the line type used for hidden lines.

Reference lines

Reference lines are imaginary lines that are used to represent the below listed. Reference lines are not used to define objects. “Center” is the line type used for reference lines. Reference lines are terminated only in free space and not at any object line or any other reference line.

• Levels in elevations & sections
• Center lines
• Alignment lines
• Axis