What do hidden lines on a drawing represent?

Hidden lines on a drawing represent features not visible in that specific view. These lines are typically dashed and are used to indicate edges or boundaries of an object that are behind or obscured by other features in the drawing. By using hidden lines, engineers and designers can convey important information about the geometry of an object without cluttering the drawing with unnecessary visibility of all features. This allows anyone interpreting the drawing to understand the complete shape and functionality of the component, even if all parts are not directly visible from the given perspective.

Visible edges are represented by solid lines, while construction lines are often meant for layout and are generally lighter in weight. Sectional views are a different concept altogether, used to show internal features by slicing through an object, making hidden lines distinct in their purpose. Thus, hidden lines serve a specific role in technical drawings by enhancing clarity and conveying critical information about unseen features.