What is a characteristic of visible lines in technical drawings?

Visible lines in technical drawings serve a crucial role in conveying the shape and edges of objects that can be seen directly. These lines are typically bold and continuous, representing the outline of the object and other features that are exposed to view. This characteristic is essential for ensuring that anyone interpreting the drawing can accurately understand the dimensions and overall structure of the represented object.

In contrast, dimensions are typically represented through specific notation or dimension lines and not solely by visible lines. Hidden characteristics are indicated using dashed lines, which highlight features not visible from the current viewpoint. Shading, on the other hand, is often used to give depth or a three-dimensional look to drawings but does not fall under the characteristic of visible lines themselves.