Adding Linetypes from AutoCad

[Eddie Ufford]

Anyone know how to permanently add extra line types to Rhino so that when a new drawing starts they are already there?   When we import Autocad Drawings they seem to have more line types and patterns.   Is there a way one can change Rhino's internals settings to permanently keep the changes default templates?

It would be ideal to open up a new drawing and have the basic line types on their own layers (Object, Hidden, Center, Dimension, Construction, Border, etc...) vs. manually doing it every time to Layer 1, Layer 2, Layer 3, Layer 4, etc... 

Also--wishlist to the developers--  I would love to see in in the Layer Tool Bar pane a tool that will let me (us) change the scale of line types.  For example if the current hidden line pattern is too small or too big, one could easily change the scale or pattern right there in the Layer Tool Bar vs clicking thru File > Properties> Annotation >Linetypes >Hidden Line> etc.

[Bob Koll]

Ed,  I just sent you an email about this.   I want Mary (in the Rhino office) to add any details on how to do this that yours truly would probably leave out. 

[Eddie Ufford]

Thanks Bob,

We are doing a lot of orthographic projections "Make2D" lately after the students make their 3D models.  Trying to get the students to setup the Layers prior to starting is like pulling teeth.  The line type scale thingy would be a great addition to the Layer Tool Bar.

Absolutely---Go Hawks!

[Bob Koll]

Start a new model:

Set all the 'default' stuff you want in that model; units, views, display mode, etc

Set up the layers you want in that model.

Make a Layout if you want.  Name it 11 x 8.5 sheet, Landscape, etc. 

Add a titleblock to it if you want.

NOW....  File, SaveAs Template.  Name it.  For example 'Make 2d drawing'

TRY IT:  Start a NEW model and your Template named "Make 2d drawing" will be on the list with all the stuff you want; set up and ready to go.  For sure you will notice something you left out of the template.  Make the change to the template and  (you guessed it)  Save As Template to overwrite and the changes will be there.  

................

Regarding Linetypes question earlier:

By the way,  I think a lot of the stuff you want regarding linetypes, etc can be part of the template too.  BUT, let's let Mary educate me on Tuesday when I'm in Seattle.  Then maybe I will know what the heck I am talking about.   (One item that is worth noting:  Rhino reads autocad  .lin files so you can easily import autocad linetypes into Rhino.  Command = Options, Annnotation, Linetypes.  This is where I have version 6 Autocad experience.  Mary has up to date info.  She can make all this work for you.  

Luckily I looked at the Rhino Education page today or we would not have got this started.  Do not hesitate to send me an email about any of this stuff.  It is how I keep up on what you guys want / need.

[Mary Fugier]

Hi Eddie, 

Sorry for the delay. Bob has the right idea.

You will need to create a custom template with the linetypes that you always want loaded and start all your new files with it. You can also add dimension styles, layers, layouts, and blocks like title blocks to it. Make sure and pre-assign the linetype to the layers.

This way it will all be done and ready to use. You can have the students do it, or have in ready in their template folder the first day of class. Name it something unique, like "arch101_imperial.dwt". (The default location for templates is "C:\Users\<login_name>\AppData\Roaming\McNeel\Rhinoceros\5.0\Localization\en-US\Template Files.)

Rhino can import an AutoCAD lin file, but we can not distribute it with Rhino. So if you have access to one, import it into your template. You will likely never need to make a new linetype ever again!

The scale of the linetype is controlled off of Options -> Annotation -> Linetype. It is global for that model so if you need another smaller or bigger similar linetype you will need to make a new one and copy the contents of another definition to modify. (I think a Copy button would we really helpful. I will add it to the wish list.)

Other items that are already on the wish list are linetype scale per object, linetype scale per detail and a "drag and drop" interface to take linetypes, dimstyles, layers, and blocks from one file and copy into another. These will be evaluated as possible additions to future Rhino

Let us know if any of this would be helpful to you.

Please reply with any additional questions.
Kind regards,

Mary Fugier