# lineDashPattern The dash pattern applied to the shape’s path when stroked. ``` var lineDashPattern: [NSNumber]? { get set } ``` ## Discussion The dash pattern is specified as an array of `NSNumber` objects that specify the lengths of the painted segments and unpainted segments, respectively, of the dash pattern. For example, passing an array with the values `[2,3]` sets a dash pattern that alternates between a 2-user-space-unit-long painted segment and a 3-user-space-unit-long unpainted segment. Passing the values `[10,5,5,5]` sets the pattern to a 10-unit painted segment, a 5-unit unpainted segment, a 5-unit painted segment, and a 5-unit unpainted segment. Default is `nil`, a solid line. The following code shows how how you can create three shape layers using the dash patterns described above. Each shape layer contains a simple path that describes a horizontal line. ```swift let layer = CALayer() let lineDashPatterns: [[NSNumber]?] = [nil, [2,3], [10, 5, 5, 5]] for (index, lineDashPattern) in lineDashPatterns.enumerated() { let shapeLayer = CAShapeLayer() shapeLayer.strokeColor = UIColor.black.cgColor shapeLayer.lineWidth = 5 shapeLayer.lineDashPattern = lineDashPattern let path = CGMutablePath() let y = CGFloat(index * 50) path.addLines(between: [CGPoint(x: 0, y: y), CGPoint(x: 640, y: y)]) shapeLayer.path = path layer.addSublayer(shapeLayer) } ``` The following figure shows three shape layers created with the code above. The top solid line has a `nil` [`lineDashPattern`](/documentation/QuartzCore/CAShapeLayer/lineDashPattern), the middle has `[2,3]` and the bottom has `[10,5,5,5]`.  --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)