Editor's Note: In July 2014, this tip was updated and the LISP file was replaced with a new version. Updates include:

• Linetypes other than continuous can be used
• Assembled linetype is shown on dialogue
• Filter for layer names
• Better error checking.

Editor's Note: In June 2014, this tip was updated and the LISP file was replaced with a new version. Updates include a dialogue box and an option to apply the linetype to selected layers. The zip file also contains an image that shows the dialogue.

Editor's Note: In June 2010, this tip was updated and the LISP file was replaced with a new version. Updates include:

• User can specify text height
• Gap that the text is placed in is more accurate, vertically and horizontally
• Text in linetype uses the current textstyle (getvar 'textstyle)
• Assembled linetype definition is printed to the Command line
• Variables dashlen, txtgap, txthgt can be modified in code for user preference
• The rountine checks for existing linetype and prompts user to redefine.
   

This month’s top tip by Ron Perez is Create Custom Linetype, which automates the steps needed to make a custom linetype with embedded characters. Load the LISP code and type MakeLT to start it. You will be asked to supply a string to be embedded in the linetype. Type in the characters and select Enter. A temporary linetype file definition is created and loaded into the current drawing. All you need to do now is relate it to a layer name, and it is ready to go. This is a nice timesaver for those who make custom linetypes, and it’s well deserving of this month’s top tip prize!