AutoCAD

How To Use Text Style In AutoCAD?

Understanding Text Style in AutoCAD

Text style is a crucial component in AutoCAD that helps determine the overall look of your text elements in a drawing. This encompasses various settings, including font selection, spacing between lines, justification, and color. By utilizing text styles, users can maintain consistency across their projects and conform to established standards within their industry.

Creating and Managing Text Styles

To create a new text style in AutoCAD, follow the steps outlined below.

  1. Initiate Text Style Command:

    • Type TEXTSTYLE in the Command line without pressing Enter. This action opens the Text Style Manager.
  2. Accessing Existing Styles:

    • A list of available text styles will appear. You can scroll through this list to view existing styles or hover over them to preview their appearance.
  3. Creating a New Style:

    • Click on the "New" button in the Text Style Manager. A dialog box will prompt you to name the new style.
    • Assign a descriptive name that reflects its intended use.
  4. Configuring the Style:

    • Select the font type from the drop-down menu. Options available may include TrueType fonts or SHX fonts.
    • Adjust other parameters such as height, width factor, obliquing angle, and color based on the requirements of your project.
  5. Setting as Current:
    • Once the style is configured, select it from the list and click “Set Current” to make it the active style in your drawing.

Editing Text Objects with the Textedit Command

Using the Textedit feature allows for quick modifications of text objects. Here’s how to do it effectively:

  1. Select Text Object:

    • Click on the single-line text object you wish to modify.
  2. Access Properties:

    • Right-click the text object and select "Properties" from the context menu. This opens the Properties palette.
  3. Modify Text and Formatting:

    • In the Properties palette, enter the new text you wish to display.
    • Adjust formatting options such as justification, color, and line spacing to suit your design needs.
  4. Confirm Changes:
    • Once you are satisfied with the changes, click outside the properties palette to apply the modifications.

Locating Text Styles in AutoCAD

Finding the text styles you’ve created or want to use can be done as follows:

  1. Open the Command Line:

    • Type TEXTSTYLE to open the Text Style Manager.
  2. Browse Styles:

    • The dialog box will display all existing text styles. You can scroll or hover over them for a visual preview.
  3. Selecting a Style:
    • Click on your desired text style to select it as the current style for the text objects you are about to create or modify.

Adding New Text Styles

If you need to create a text style based on an existing one, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click Existing Text:

    • Select and right-click on the text object from which you want to derive the new style.
  2. Choose Styles Option:

    • From the mini toolbar, click on "Styles," then select "Create a Style."
  3. Naming your New Style:
    • In the dialog box that appears, provide a name for your new style and hit "OK." Your style will now appear in the Styles gallery for future use.

Changing Text Thickness

To adjust the thickness of text in your drawings, follow these steps:

  1. Utilize the Quick Select Command:

    • Enter QSELECT in the command line.
  2. Specify Object Type:

    • Choose "MText" or "Text" based on what you are working with.
  3. Filter Properties:

    • Select “Position Z” from the Properties dropdown and choose the “Not Equal” option.
  4. Set Zero Thickness:

    • Input "0" as the value and click "OK."
  5. Modify Z Position:
    • In the Properties palette, ensure the Z Position is changed to zero.

Changing Text Size

To change the text size within AutoCAD, perform the following steps:

  1. Access Preferences:

    • Right-click in the drawing area and choose "Preferences."
  2. Change Font Settings:

    • Navigate to the “Display” tab in the Options dialog box and click on "Fonts."
  3. Select Font Type and Size:

    • From the “Command Line Window Font” dialog, select your preferred font, style, and size.
  4. Save Changes:
    • Click “Apply & Close” to finalize your adjustments.

FAQ

Q1: What typefaces are recommended for AutoCAD?
A1: Common suggestions include the SHX and TrueType fonts, with Arial and Helvetica preferred for clarity. However, specific project requirements may dictate other choices.

Q2: How do I ensure text styles adhere to industry standards?
A2: Create standardized text styles based on your industry conventions. Regularly review and update styles to reflect current practices and ensure compliance.

Q3: Can I edit text directly in the drawing area?
A3: Yes, enabling the double-click editing feature allows you to modify text directly by double-clicking the text object. Adjust settings in the Options dialog if needed.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.