How Do I Download a Linetype in AutoCAD?

Are you an AutoCAD user looking to download a new linetype for your designs? Look no further!

In this tutorial, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of downloading and installing a linetype in AutoCAD. So let’s get started!

Step 1: Find a Linetype

The first step is to find a linetype that suits your requirements. There are various websites and resources available on the internet where you can find linetypes for AutoCAD. Some popular websites include Autodesk App Store, CAD Forum, and CAD Blocks Free.

Step 2: Download the Linetype

Once you have found the desired linetype, click on the download link or button to initiate the download process. Make sure to save the linetype file in a location that is easily accessible.

Step 3: Extract the Linetype Files

After downloading the linetype file, it is often compressed in a ZIP or RAR format. To access the actual linetype files, you will need to extract them using extraction software such as WinRAR or WinZip. Right-click on the downloaded file and select “Extract Here” to extract the files.

Step 4: Locate AutoCAD Support Folder

In order to use the downloaded linetype in AutoCAD, you need to locate the support folder where all custom linetypes are stored. The location of this folder may vary depending on your operating system and AutoCAD version.

  • Windows:
    • For AutoCAD 2017 and newer versions:
      • C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20xx\Support
    • For AutoCAD 2016 and older versions:
      • C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20xx\Support
  • Mac:
    • For AutoCAD 2017 and newer versions:
      • /Users/{Username}/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD 20xx/Rxx.x/en-US/Support
    • For AutoCAD 2016 and older versions:
      • /Users/{Username}/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD 20xx/Rxx.x/en-US/Support

Step 5: Copy Linetype Files to Support Folder

Now that you have located the support folder, open it and copy the linetype files from the extracted folder into this directory. You can simply drag and drop the files or use the copy-paste method.

Step 6: Load Linetype in AutoCAD

Once the linetype files are successfully copied into the support folder, it’s time to load them in AutoCAD. Open AutoCAD and navigate to the “Linetype Manager” by typing “LINETYPE” in the command line or accessing it through the “Properties” panel.

A) Load Linetype File (.LIN)

In the Linetype Manager, click on “Load..” to browse for available linetype files. Select the desired linetype file with a .lin extension from your support folder and click “Open”. This will load the linetype into AutoCAD.

B) Load Linetype Definition (.LSP)

If your linetype requires a definition file with a .lsp extension, follow these steps:

  1. In the Linetype Manager, click on “Load.”
  2. Change the file type filter to “LISP Files (*.lsp)”
  3. Select the relevant .lsp file and click “Open”

Step 7: Apply Linetype to Objects

Now that you have successfully loaded the linetype in AutoCAD, you can apply it to your objects. To apply the linetype, select the desired object(s) and open the “Properties” panel. In the “Linetype” section, choose your newly loaded linetype from the drop-down menu.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have learned how to download and install a linetype in AutoCAD.

By following these simple steps, you can easily enhance your designs with custom linetypes. So go ahead and explore various linetypes available online or create your own to make your drawings stand out!