TLE 9 – TECHNICAL DRAFTING
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET 3.2
Background Information for Learners
GUIDE LINES IN LETTERING
Generally, two horizontal guide lines are used in capital letters they are called (Top and base
lines) and three horizontal guide lines for lowercase or small letters (Top, waist, and base
lines).
Usually the height or the distance between the top and base lines should be one centimetre
(cm). The shortest height for capital letters should be three millimeters (mm), and the
distance between the base and waist lines should be the two-thirds of the distance from base
to the top guide lines.
If you are going to write an inclined or italicized letters, the inclined guide lines should be
about 67 ½ degrees from the horizontal guide lines.
General Proportion of Letters
Single-stroke Gothic letters may be written on three different proportion or spacing. The
following are normal, condensed and extended
Normal Letters – It is used if the space of the letters to be printed are ample
Condensed Letters – It is used if the space of the letters to be printed is narrow.
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Extended Letters – used if the space of the letters to be printed is wide.
COMPOSITION IN LETTERING
In lettering, composition pertains to the selection, arrangement including the size and
styles of letters. This also applies to proper selection of appropriate types of letters to be used
in doing letterings (Example: When you are going to write a book. You need to choose a type
of letter that can be used in writing the title as well its size should also bigger than the size of
its contents). In engineering drawing, composition of lettering is usually limited to the
vertical or inclined position of letters.
Spacing between letters -Spacing are placed between letters visually or mechanically.
Visual Spacing – space between letters which may not be the same in length.
Mechanical Spacing – space between letter which space length in all letters are equal.
Centering of Titles
Usually writing a title is one of the most common problem in composition of lettering.
It is done on a trial-and-error basis as the letters should fit on a given space with an equal
amount of spacing letters from left to right, as its common that the title is written on center of
the given space.
When writing a title usually one needs to identify the amount of space that needs to be
utilized and the number and size of the letters to be written on the space given. The trial-anderror process is done by doing a lettering using a light pencil. The most common method use
for centering a title is called the centerfold method, this is done by folding the paper in half to
identify the center of the paper.
Lettering Pens and Devices
There are many different steel writing pens or special lettering pens that can be used on
lettering. The following are:
1. Barch-payzant pens
2. Speedball pens
3. Edco pens
4. Leroy pens
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ORTHOGRAPHIC DRAWING
Orthographic drawing is a type of drawing that refers to the representation of the exact shape
of an object in two or more views as they are seen perpendicularly from its surfaces. The term
orthographic is derived from two Greek words, orthos means to write and graphos means to
draw. Although an object can be viewed in 6 different views (top, bottom, left, right, front,
and rear). The principal projections of orthographic drawing are front, top and right-side
view.
The Planes of Projection or the Projection Box
An orthographic drawing can be represented with a projection boxes a guide. These sides are
hinged to each other.
The top face is above to the front face and the front
face is hinged to the right, left, and bottom face of
the box.
These faces or planes are also called the projection
planes. This can be seen if you will open a box and
layout its sides on a flat surface.
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If an object is positioned inside the box so that every part or side of it can be seen on all sides,
its views can be projected perpendicularly and drawn on the transparent sides of the
projection box.
When sketching an orthographic drawing, the positions of the top, front, and right side views
are arranged in L shape.
Principles of Orthographic Drawing
1. The top view is directly above the front view.
2. The side views are horizontally in line with the front
view.
3. The width of the top view is equal to the width of the
side views.
4. When a line or an edge is viewed perpendicularly to a plane
of projection, it appears as a point.
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5. A line or edge parallel to the plane
of projection will also appear as a line
or edge in its exact or true length.
6. A line or edge inclined to the plane of projection
will appear shorter or
foreshortened.
7. A surface perpendicular to the projection
plane will appear as a line or edge equal
in length to the nearest edge of the surface,
which in this case is either its length or its
width, depending on its position.
8. A surface parallel to the plane of projection
will be shown in its exact or true shape
and size.
9. A surface inclined to the plane of projection
will also appear as a surface but smaller in size
and shape.
10. All edges of an object cannot be projected longer than its true size.
ALPHABET OF LINES
In sketching orthographic drawings, we use different lines that has specific purpose and
functions. These lines are commonly called Alphabet of Lines or sometimes refer as line
symbols and must be drawn or sketch properly so as not to be misinterpreted. The alphabet of
lines are critical component of sketching. Each of this lines have their different shapes and
thicknesses. With the use of different pencils ,this lines can be distinguished from one
another.
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Border lines –the thickest or the darkest lines in a drawing. This line generally used for
creating border lines of a drawing paper.
Visible Outline or Object Line – used in sketching visible objects. It is used also in sketching
the visible edges of an object.
Hidden Line (also known as dotted line or invisible line) - used to represent hidden edges of
an object. The hidden line is composed of short dashes (3-4 millimeters long) with
gaps between each dashes (1-2 millimeters wide).
Center Line – this is used to show the center of circles, arc figures or any symmetrical
shapes. It is drawn using one long and one short dash alternately drawn. The space or gap
between the dashes as of the same distance as those mentioned in the hidden lines.
Projection Line or Extension Line – a light line that extends from the edge or end of the
main object line on a drawing, it is also used in conjunction with dimension lines to help
determine the dimension of a particular object.
Dimension Line – used to indicate the dimension or measurement of an object. It has three
parts: arrowheads, fine line, and the figure (number). The arrowheads are short heavy strokes
(called flares) placed at both endpoints of
the fine line. The fine line has the same thickness as the projection line. The number figure is
usually positioned at the middle of the fine line.
Leader Line - it is a thin line with an arrowhead at one end. This line is also used to indicate
the measurement or the label of the part that it is point at.
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Border lines –the thickest or the darkest lines in a drawing. This line generally used for
creating border lines of a drawing paper.
Visible Outline or Object Line – used in sketching visible objects. It is used also in sketching
the visible edges of an object.
Hidden Line (also known as dotted line or invisible line) - used to represent hidden edges of
an object. The hidden line is composed of short dashes (3-4 millimeters long) with gaps
between each dashes (1-2 millimeters wide).
Center Line – this is used to show the center of circles, arc figures or any symmetrical
shapes. It is drawn using one long and one short dash alternately drawn. The space or gap
between the dashes as of the same distance as those mentioned in the hidden lines.
Projection Line or Extension Line – a light line that extends from the edge or end of the
main object line on a drawing, it is also used in conjunction with dimension lines to help
determine the dimension of a particular object.
Dimension Line – used to indicate the dimension or measurement of an object. It has three
parts: arrowheads, fine line, and the figure (number). The arrowheads are short heavy strokes
(called flares) placed at both endpoints of the fine line. The fine line has the same thickness
as the projection line. The number figure is usually positioned at the middle of the fine line.
Leader Line - it is a thin line with an arrowhead at one end. This line is also used to indicate
the measurement or the label of the part that it is point at.
Reference Line – it is an irregular curved line with an arrowhead at one end. This line is used
to label parts of an object.
Limiting Line – It is used for limiting the length of an elongated object so it can be shown
without changing the size of its view. The line’s thickness is about half that of the visible
line. The line consists of long or short broken and straight lines alternately drawn.
Activity 1: MULTIPLE CHOICE
Directions : Read each item carefully and choose the letter that corresponds to the
correct answer. Write your answer in another sheet of paper.
______ 1. These two are guidelines used for writing capital/uppercase letters.
a. Base/Drop
b. Base/Waist
c. Top/Base
d. Top/Waist
______ 2. The three guidelines used in writing small/lowercase letters are?
a. Base, waist and drop
b. Top, waist and drop
c. Top, waist and base
d. Top, base and drop
______ 3. The distance between base and waist lines should be ________ of the distance
from the base to the top guidelines
a. One-half
b. One-fourth
c. Two-thirds
d. Two-fifths
______ 4. Which among the degrees is preferred for italicized letter?
a. 65 ½ degrees
b. 66 ½ degrees
c. 67 ½ degrees
d. 68 ½ degrees
______ 5. What type of lettering is used when the space is ample.
a. Condensed
b. Extended
c. Italicized
d. Normal
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______6. What are the two parts of guidelines in lettering that is followed when writing an
uppercase letters?
A. Base/Drop
B. Base/Waist
C. Top/Base
D. Top/Waist
______7. The height of the upper case letter is equal to ______________?
A. Base to Drop
B. Base to Waist
C. Top to Base
D. Top to Waist
______8. When writing an italicized letter, the inclined guide lines should be _________
from the horizontal guide lines
A. 66 ½ degrees
B. 67 ½ degrees
C. 68 ½ degrees
D. 69 ½ degrees
______9. The distance between base and waist lines should be ________ of the distance from
the base to the top guide lines
A. One-half
B. One-fourth
C. Two-fourths
D. Two-thirds
______10. Which type of lettering is used if the space is narrow?
A. Condensed
B. Extended
C. Italicized
D. Normal
______11. Composition in lettering refers to_________________________?
A. organization of colors in the chart.
B. choosing the proper pen to be used.
C. selection of letter styles and size.
D. selection of pen types.
______12. If the letters written are spaced visually, what does it mean?
A. The space between letters vary to its length
B. The space between letters are equal
C. The space between letters should be removed
D. The space between letters may be not equal
______13. Which is true about mechanical spacing?
A. Spaces are wide
C. Spaces depend on the letters used
B. Spaces are removed
D. Spaces are always equal
______14. This method is done by folding the paper in half to identify its center.
A. Centerfold method
C. Centralfold method
B. Centrifold method
D. Centralized method
______15. What is the common name of the pen which style and size belongs to A-1 to A-6?
A. Flat-edge point
C. Rounded point
B. Oval point
D. Squared point
_____16. This view is directly above the front view.
A. Bottom View
B. Rear View
C. Side View
D. Top View
_____17. The is horizontally in line with the front view.
A. front view
B. rear view
C. side view
D. top view
_____18. The _______________ of the top view is equal to the width of the side views.
A. Height
B. Length
C. width
D. volume
_____19. When a line is viewed perpendicularly to a plane of projection, it appears as a .
A. line
B. point
C. plane
D. ray
_____20. A line or edge inclined to the plane of projection will appear .
A. farther
B.nearer
C. shorter
D. wider
A. Leader Line
B. Limiting Line
C. Object Line
D. Reference Line
Activity 2: ALPHABET BANK
Directions : Given the four different recognized form of lowercase letters. Write all the
alphabets belong to its respective group below the table. Write your answer on your answer
sheets.
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Activity 3: PICTURE IDENTIFICATION
Directions: Given the illustration below. Identify the different parts of the guidelines in
lettering. Write your answer on your answer sheet.
Activity 4: PICK A WORD
Directions: Read each item carefully and answer each question by choosing
the correct answer inside the box below. Write your answer on your answer sheet.
_________________1. This refers to the selection, arrangement of styles and sizes of letters
_________________2. This is the type of spacing that are always equal in length
between letters
_________________3. This is the type of spacing that the length of spaces between letters
may not be equal
_________________4. This process is used to identify the amount of space needs to be
utilized when writing a letter on a given amount of space
_________________5. D-1 to D-6 pen styles is commonly called?
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Activity 5: ORTHOGRAPHIC SKETCHING
Directions: MATERIALS NEEDED: Pencil , drawing paper (short bond paper), pad paper,
eraser, ruler
Directions: Based on the pictorial given, draw the three views on the your answer sheets.
Activity 6: ENUMERATION
Directions: Write your answer in another sheet of paper
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Activity 7: SKETCHING DIFFERENT ALPHABET OF LINES
Directions: Write your answer in another sheet of paper
Activity 8: POST TEST
Directions : Read each item carefully and choose the letter that corresponds to the
correct answer. Write your answer in another sheet of paper.
_____1. The term orthographic came from the Greek word orthos and graphos which
means___________________.
A. draw and graph
B. write and draw
C. lines and shapes D. projection and lines
_____2. No line of the object can be projected longer than its true .
A. height
B. length
C. width
D. volume
_____3. A surface to the plane of projection will be shown in its exact
shape and size.
A. angled
B. inclined
C. parallel
D. perpendicular
_____4. The top view is directly above the .
A. bottom view
B. front view
C. rear view
D. side view
_____5. The of the top view is equal to the width of the side views.
A. length
B. height
C. width
D. volume
_____6. Which among the given lines is used to indicate the measurements of objects?
A. Border Line
B. Dimension Line C. Extension Line
D. Object Line
_____7.What line is often used to label the parts?
A. Center Line
B. Limiting Line
C. Object Line
D. Reference Line
_____8.This line is used for indicating the measurement and name of a part.
A. Extension Line
B. Leader Line
C. Object Line
D. Reference Line
_____9.Which line represents the visible edges of an object.
A. Center Line
B. Hidden Line
C. Object Line
D. Reference Line
_____10.What line is used to represent the hidden edges of an object?
A. Dimension Line B. Extension Line
C. Hidden Line
D. Limiting Line
_____11. Which line is used for limiting the length of an elongated object?
A. Extension Line
B. Leader Line
C. Limiting Line
D. Object Line
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_____12. This line represents center of objects with symmetrical shapes.
A. Border Line
B. Center Line
C. Dimension Line D. Hidden Line
_____13. This line is often used to label the parts of an object.
A. Border Line
B. Extension Line
C. Leader Line
D. Reference Line
_____14. What line represents the visible edges of an object?
A. Center Line
B. Leader Line
C. Limiting Line
D. Object Line
_____15. Which line is used to indicate the measurement and name of a part?
Hello, learner! Congratulations, you did great for accomplishing all the tasks
It’s time for you to make a reflection about the topic.
Closure/ Reflection
As a draftsman, it is necessary to learn how to use guidelines in doing lettering as it gives us
ease in writing or even in drawing and lessen the chances of getting an incorrect output. Just
like the popular draftsmen quote:
“A good draftsman never letter without guide lines” As a student what do you think is the
importance of learning the construction of guidelines before writing a lettering?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
A two-dimensional drawing like orthographic views help to describe an object in detailed
showing the construction of each side.
What are the most preferred views in orthographic? Why?
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________.
As a student, how will this lesson helps you as you proceed in studying drafting?
________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.
The alphabet of lines are useful in technical drawings. They were used according to their
functions in a drawing.
As a student how will this lesson help you as you proceed in studying drafting?
________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.
References:
ic Sketching” Drafting Volume 1 pp.56-58, Quezon
City: Phoenix Publishing House, Inc. 1983
Drawing: Alphabet of Line” 2019
and Graphics, 2nd ed”, American Technical Society, 1966
Online References:
omain/
325/The_Alphabet_of_Lines.pdf
-drawing-alphabet-of-line/
-8656561-principles-orthographicdrawing-dimensioning.html
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ANSWER KEY
ACTIVITY 1- MULTIPLE CHOICE
1.C
6.C
11.C
2.C
7.D
12.D
3.D
8.D
13.D
4.B
9.A
14.A
5.D
10.D
15.D
16.D
17.C
18.C
19.B
20.C
ACTIVITY 2-ALPHABET BANK
ACTIVITY
IDENTIFICATION
3-PICTURE
ACTIVITY 4-PICK A WORD
ACTIVITY 5-ORTHOGRAPHIC
ACTIVITY 6-ORTHOGRAPHIC
ACTIVITY 7-SKETCHING THE LINES
TEACHER’S CHECK
ACTIVITY 8-POST TEST
1.B
6.C
11.B
2.B
7.C
12.D
3.C
8.D
13.B
4.B
9.D
14.C
5.C
10.A
15.C
Prepared by:
CLEMENDA LUNAG TUSCANO
CP No. 09360343047/FB:clemenda tuscano
Teacher I
DIADI NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
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