ISO 128-2-2022 PDF

Full title and description

Technical product documentation (TPD) — General principles of representation — Part 2: Basic conventions for lines. This international standard specifies the types, designations, configurations and draughting rules for lines used in technical drawings and related documentation, and provides guidance for leader and reference lines plus industry‑specific annexes.

Abstract

This document establishes the basic line conventions to be used in technical product documentation (diagrams, plans, maps and drawings). It defines basic line types and subtypes (including width variants), rules for line drafting and presentation of leader/reference lines, and includes annexes addressing mechanical, construction and shipbuilding drawing practices. It is intended to ensure consistent graphic representation across engineering and architectural documentation.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 2022‑10 (Edition 2, published October 2022).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 01.100.01 — Technical drawings in general.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (ISO 128‑2:2022), replaces ISO 128‑2:2020.
• Number of pages: 68 (ISO published document page count).

Scope

ISO 128‑2:2022 sets out the basic conventions for lines used throughout technical product documentation: it defines the recognised line types and their graphical representations, prescribes line widths and subtype variations, gives rules for leader and reference lines and the arrangement of annotations, and supplies annexes with examples and industry‑specific applications for mechanical, construction and shipbuilding drawings. The standard applies to technical drawings in the broadest sense — the complete documentation package for a product or workpiece.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and designation of basic line types (continuous, dashed, dotted, long‑dash/dot combinations, etc.).
• Line subtypes and width categories (narrow, wide, extra‑wide) and permitted variations.
• Rules for drafting straight and curved lines, including spacing and proportions for compound line types.
• Presentation rules for leader lines, reference lines and their components; placement and arrangement of instructions and annotations.
• Industry annexes with examples and recommendations for mechanical, construction and shipbuilding drawings.
• Consistency and compatibility requirements with other TPD standards (references and normative links to related ISO documents).

Typical use and users

This standard is used by technical drafters, CAD operators, mechanical and civil engineers, architects, technical illustrators, quality engineers and documentation specialists who prepare, check or interpret engineering and construction drawings. It is also used by standards committees, trainers and software developers implementing drawing conventions in CAD/CAM and documentation tools.

Related standards

ISO 128‑2 is part of the ISO 128 series (general principles of representation). Normative and informative cross‑references include ISO 128‑1 (introduction and fundamental requirements), ISO 128‑3 (views, sections and cuts), ISO 128‑15 (shipbuilding drawing presentation) and related presentation/dimensioning standards such as ISO 129 series and several Geometrical Product Specification (GPS) standards (e.g., ISO 1101).

Keywords

technical product documentation, TPD, technical drawings, line conventions, line types, leader lines, reference lines, draughting rules, CAD, ISO 128‑2.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 128‑2:2022 is the part of the ISO 128 series that defines basic conventions for lines used in technical product documentation — specifying types, graphical forms, widths and drafting rules.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the definition and presentation of line types and subtypes, line‑width conventions, drafting rules for straight and compound lines, leader and reference lines, annotation placement, and includes industry‑specific annexes for mechanical, construction and shipbuilding drawings.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Engineers, drafters, CAD/CAM implementers, technical illustrators, architects, document controllers and standards bodies involved in producing or interpreting technical drawings.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — Edition 2 published in 2022. It replaces ISO 128‑2:2020 (the 2022 edition is the active version).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of the ISO 128 series (General principles of representation). Other parts cover introduction and fundamental requirements (Part 1), views/sections/cuts (Part 3), and additional parts such as Part 15 for shipbuilding drawings.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Line conventions, line types, line widths, technical drawings, technical product documentation (TPD), leader lines, reference lines, draughting rules, ISO 128‑2.