. It contains the definitions for various dash-dot sequences and complex linetypes. Autodesk +2 You typically do not need to download this file separately, as it is included with every AutoCAD installation. If the file is missing or you need a custom version, you can restore it from your software's backup or find community-hosted versions. Autodesk +1 Local File Location Before searching for a download, check your local machine. AutoCAD stores the default file in a hidden "Support" folder: Autodesk Standard Path: C:\Users<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk<AutoCAD Version><Release><Language>\Support Backup Origin Path: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD \UserDataCache\en-us\Support Autodesk +2 How to Find it in AutoCAD If you aren't sure where your specific installation points to, you can find the exact path by entering this command in the AutoCAD command line: AUGI Forums +1 lisp (findfile "acadiso.lin"
The acadiso.lin file is a standard metric linetype definition file included with AutoCAD installations, typically found in the User Support or UserDataCache folders. It is a text-based file used to define dashed and custom line patterns, which can be edited or loaded using the LINETYPE command. For instructions on creating or recovering custom linetypes, see the Autodesk Support page on custom linetypes . netDxf/TestDxfDocument/Support/acadiso.lin at master - GitHub
What is acadiso.lin ? acadiso.lin is a standard Linetype Definition File used by Autodesk AutoCAD and other CAD software (like BricsCAD or ZWCAD).
acad.lin : Contains linetypes designed for Imperial units (inches). acadiso.lin : Contains linetypes designed for Metric units (millimeters). acadiso.lin download
If you are working in metric (which is standard for ISO standards), this file defines the patterns for dashed lines, center lines, hidden lines, and complex shapes (like gas lines, electric fences, etc.).
Method 1: The "Official" Download (Recommended) You typically do not need to download this file from a random website. It comes pre-installed with AutoCAD. Step 1: Check if you already have it
Open AutoCAD. Type LINETYPE and press Enter . In the Linetype Manager, click Load . Click File... in the top-right corner. Look at the "Files of type" dropdown. Select AutoCAD Linetype File (*.lin) . You should see acadiso.lin in the default folder path (usually C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20xx\UserDataCache\support or C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20xx\Rxx.x\enu\Support ). If the file is missing or you need
Step 2: If it is missing If the file is missing or corrupted, the best way to "download" it is to Repair your AutoCAD installation via the Windows Control Panel, or reinstall AutoCAD. This ensures the file matches your specific version.
Method 2: Generic Download (Open Source Fallback) If you cannot access the official file, you can use a generic metric linetype file. Many open-source CAD projects use identical file structures. Option A: Use linetype.lin from Libraries If you have other CAD software installed, check their support folders. Option B: Create a Basic One (If you just need simple lines) If you are in a pinch and the file is missing, you can create a text file named acadiso.lin , paste the following code inside, and save it. This provides the basic metric linetypes: ;; AutoCAD ISO Metric Linetypes ;; File: acadiso.lin ;; *BORDER,Border __ . . __ . . __ . . __ . . __ . . A,.5,-.25,.5,-.25,0,-.25 *BORDER2,Border (.5x) __.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__.__. A,.25,-.125,.25,-.125,0,-.125 *CENTER,Center ____ _ ____ _ ____ _ ____ _ ____ _ A,1.25,-.25,.25,-.25 *CENTER2,Center (.5x) ___ _ ___ _ ___ _ ___ _ ___ _ ___ A,.75,-.125,.125,-.125 *DASHED,Dashed __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ _ A,.5,-.25 *DASHED2,Dashed (.5x) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ A,.25,-.125 *HIDDEN,Hidden __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ A,.25,-.125 *HIDDEN2,Hidden (.5x) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ A,.125,-.0625 *PHANTOM,Phantom ______ __ __ ______ __ __ ______ A,1.25,-.25,.25,-.25,.25,-.25 *PHANTOM2,Phantom (.5x) ___ _ _ ___ _ _ ___ _ _ ___ A,.625,-.125,.125,-.125,.125,-.125 *DOT,Dot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A,0,-.25 *CONTINUOUS,Continuous Solid line A,0
(Note: This is a simplified snippet. The full official file contains dozens of complex linetypes involving shapes and text.) It is a text-based file used to define
Method 3: Third-Party Repositories If you do not have AutoCAD installed on the machine you are transferring the file to (e.g., you are setting up a viewer or a script), you can find the file on GitHub or CAD resource sites like CADforum or Lee Mac Programming .
Go to a reputable CAD resource site (Lee Mac Programming is highly trusted). Search for "Linetype definitions" or "acadiso.lin". Download the .lin file.