In architectural drawings, what do dashed lines typically represent?

Dashed lines in architectural drawings are commonly used to represent hidden details. This includes elements that are not visible from the perspective being shown in the drawing, such as components that are set back from the main surface or elements that lie behind visible structures. The use of dashed lines is a conventional practice in architectural and engineering drawings, allowing for clarity and the ability to convey more information without cluttering the visual representation with additional solid lines.

In contrast, solid lines typically represent visible edges and outlines of structures and objects. Boundary lines, which often indicate property lines or the limits of a site, usually appear as either solid or more distinctive dashed lines that define specific areas. Access routes are represented in various ways but are not typically shown with dashed lines; rather, they’re often indicated with solid or marked pathways to highlight their usage.