Making a Linetype

[tim_newsome]

After inserting my compile shape file .shx in to the drawing I am navigating to the Express Menu/Tools/Make Linetype.

The syntax in the .lin file is



*DIVDITCH,Diversion Ditch
A,0,-.529258,[ARROW,L:\cadstandard\Linetype\Tims Linetypes\Arrow,s=.033333],-.232355


I have made a few line styles with shape (.shx) files of and on over my career and I dont ever remember seeing the whole sub directory included inbetween the square brackets. I have created several linetypes with shapes that have always been created as below.



*DIVSWALE,DIV SWALE
A,.25,[DIVSYM,DIVSYM,s=.055],.25


It functions fine but I am betting that the 1st line type with a sub directory in it is going to cause issues.

[Tom Beauford]

Put it in a support folder so you only need the shape file name. I'd use a custom non-version specific support folder where you keep customization files (shapes, hatches, lin files) that would be accessible from your next PC as well.
Did you like http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?169654-shape-file&p=1327806&viewfull=1#post1327806?

Keep in mind once you create a shape and use it in a drawing you're responsible for keeping track of that shape file forever and making sure it always goes with the drawing. Those drawings will never display or plot correctly without that shape file in the future.

Using a shape file that installs with AutoCAD or a Text Style referencing a Standard Windows font allows almost anyone to open the drawing without needing an additional file.

[rkmcswain]

After inserting my compile shape file .shx in to the drawing I am navigating to the Express Menu/Tools/Make Linetype.





*DIVDITCH,Diversion Ditch
A,0,-.529258,[ARROW,L:\cadstandard\Linetype\Tims Linetypes\Arrow,s=.033333],-.232355


I have made a few line styles with shape (.shx) files of and on over my career and I dont ever remember seeing the whole sub directory included inbetween the square brackets. I have created several linetypes with shapes that have always been created as below.



If you were to explore the style table, you'd probably find that the entire path is stored in the entry for the shape file.

I just used LOAD to load a shape file, and here is how it's stored internally. Note the full path.

http://i.imgur.com/qjEWBPj.png

I then deleted the shape file from that location, closed ACAD, reopened ACAD and the drawing that contains a reference to this shape file, and it still found it (this same shape file is in my support file search path).
So it's probably not a big deal, as long as ACAD can find the shape file.