What best describes a hidden line in architectural drawings?

A hidden line is best described as a dashed line that indicates an edge that is not visible. In architectural drawings, hidden lines are utilized to represent features that are obscured from view, such as the edges of objects that are behind other elements or components in the design. This helps communicate the full structure and details of an element without cluttering the drawing with unnecessary views or perspectives. The use of a dashed line specifically distinguishes these hidden edges from other types of lines that indicate visible boundaries or contours. This visual cue is critical for conveying accurate information to the builders and designers who need to understand the complete layout of a project.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of a hidden line in drawings. A solid line typically represents the outer bounds of an object, while a colored line is often used for emphasis but does not conform to the standard representation of hidden features. A dotted line might be used for other purposes but does not denote hidden edges.