XLINE and RAY - Construction Lines

What it does

Construction lines are reference guides for drawing. XLINE extends in both directions. RAY extends from a start point in one direction. Neither is counted in Zoom Extents.

Where to find it

• Ribbon: Draw › Draw › Line ▾ › Construction Line - Infinite (XLINE) / Ray - One Direction (RAY)
• Command line: XLINE (Alias XL)
• Command line: RAY

XLINE steps

1. Type XL and press Enter.
2. XLINE: specify a point on the line Click a point the line passes through.
3. XLINE: specify the direction Click a second point to set the direction.

RAY steps

1. Type RAY and press Enter.
2. RAY: click the start point Click the start point.
3. RAY: click a point it passes through Click a point the line passes through.

Note: Put construction lines on a separate Layer and turn that Layer off before plotting. See Layer Manager.

Try it: Set out a window elevation with construction lines

Architects often draw level lines before the openings. Set a 900 sill level and a 2100 head level, then drop a 1200 x 1200 window into the guide frame.

1. Sill level: type XL, Enter, 0,900, Enter, then @1000,0 and Enter.
2. Head level: XL 0,2100, then @1000,0.
3. Left and right jambs: XL 600,0 @0,1000 and XL 1800,0 @0,1000.
4. Floor level: type RAY, Enter, then -500,0 Enter and @1000,0 Enter.
5. Window: REC 600,900, then 1200 Tab 1200 Enter, and a mullion with L 1200,900 @0,1200.

Challenge: Move all the guides to a layer called CONSTRUCTION and turn it off before you plot. See Layer Manager.

See also

• LINE
• Zoom, Pan and view controls