Defining customized line types

them from folder to folder when you install a new version of Tekla Structures. Installing a
new version does not replace the files in the firm folder.
Define the firm folder in the options.ini file under the model folder using the advanced
option XS_FIRM as a value. This advanced option makes the images and symbols available
in all Tekla Structures versions.
You also need to define a folder for XS_FIRM: Click Tools --> Options --> Advanced
Options and go to File Locations.
To define the firm folder for images and symbols:
1. Modify the options.ini file to include the advanced option DXK_SYMBOLPATH
that points to the firm folder. Add the following line at the end of the options.ini
file:
DXK_SYMBOLPATH=%%DXK_SYMBOLPATH%%;%%XS_FIRM%%
This line must always start with "DXK_SYMBOLPATH=%%DXK_SYMBOLPATH%%;".
The advanced option DXK_SYMBOLPATH may contain multiple paths separated by
semicolons.
2. In the Template Editor, click Options --> Preferences --> File Locations and enter the
path to the firm folder also for Symbols, pictures.
See also Symbols in drawings on page 235
DXK_SYMBOLPATH
7.24 Defining customized line types
You can define your own line types, and use them wherever line type settings are available.
The customized line types are handled the same way as other line types. The customized line
types are defined in the TeklaStuctures.lin file in ..\ProgramData\Tekla
Structures\<version>\environments\common\inp. By default, the most
widely used line types are available in the file.
To define your own line types in the TeklaStuctures.lin file:
1. Start every line with the letter A to indicate the beginning of the line type pattern.
You can use three different objects: dashes, dots and spaces to form a line.
2. Define the length of a dash (-) using positive numbers.
3. Define the length of a a space ( ) using negative numbers.
4. Define dots (.) using the number zero (0).
The patterns must begin with a dash. They typically end with a space, although the space
in the end is not required.
5. After you have defined the line type pattern, press Enter.
Modifying drawing settings
521
Defining customized line types
The TeklaStructures.lin.id file contains the names of the line types visible in the
user interface and the unique IDs assigned for each line type. The value of the ID must be
greater than 10, for example:
CENTER, 1000
BORDER, 1002
DASHDOT, 1003
You can use TeklaStructures.lin also in mapping the exported line types.
Example Line type definition for DASHDOT: A, 12.7, -6.35, 0, -6.35 means that the
pattern starts with a dash with the length of 12.7 units, followed by a space with the
length of 6.35 units, then a dot, and then again a space with the length of 6.35 units.
Then the first dash is drawn again.
If you add new customized line types, you need to add corresponding bitmaps to the ..
\ProgramData\Tekla Structures\<version>\bitmaps folder, and name
them dr_line_type_*.bmp, for example dr_line_type_CENTER.bmp.
See also
Drawing shape properties on page 587
Modifying drawing settings
522
Defining customized line types