AutoCAD

How to Put Text in AutoCAD 2017?

Understanding Text in AutoCAD 2017

Adding text to your AutoCAD drawings can elevate your designs to the next level, conveying important information succinctly. Here’s a detailed guide on how to incorporate text effectively in AutoCAD 2017.

Adding Text Using the Text Command

  1. Initiate the Text Command:

    • Navigate to the Home tab and find the Text option within the Annotation panel.
    • You can choose either Single Line Text (TEXT) or Multiline Text (MTEXT) based on your needs.
  2. Setting Up Single Line Text (TEXT):

    • After selecting TEXT, click on your desired location in the drawing area.
    • A prompt will appear asking for the text height; specify the desired height and press Enter.
    • Type in your text and press Enter again to complete the input.
  3. Creating Multiline Text (MTEXT):

    • Upon selecting MTEXT, click to establish a text box.
    • A dialog will show up where you can type your text. You have options to format it, add bullet points, or include symbols.
    • After entering the text, click Close to finalize and place it in your drawing.

Inserting Text Within Dimensions

  1. Right-click on Dimensions:

    • When you want to include text within a dimension, right-click the dimension line in your drawing.
  2. Select Text:

    • From the context menu, choose the Text option.
    • A dialog box will open, allowing you to input the desired text.
  3. Formatting Options:

    • Use the dialog box options to adjust formatting, insert special characters, or apply any necessary symbols.

Editing Existing Text

  1. Select the Text Object:

    • Click on the text you wish to edit.
  2. Access Properties:

    • With the text selected, right-click, and choose Properties from the menu.
  3. Modifying Text:

    • In the Properties palette, you can amend your text content and alter formatting aspects such as font size, color, and text style.

Changing Text Styles

  1. Open Text Style Dialog:

    • Go to the Annotation panel on the Home tab and click Text Style.
  2. Creating or Modifying Styles:

    • You can either create a new style by clicking New and providing a name or select an existing style for modifications.
  3. Customize Settings:

    • Adjust the font, size, oblique angle, and character spacing. Ensure to click Apply for the changes to take effect on any existing text using that style.

Converting Text to Polylines

  1. Use Express Tools:

    • Navigate to the Express Tools in the menu.
  2. Access Text Modification:

    • Click on the Modify Text drop-down and choose the Explode option.
  3. Select Text for Conversion:

    • Highlight the text you wish to convert into polylines and press Enter to complete the transformation.

Drawing Custom Letters

  1. Choose the Right Tool:

    • You can utilize the Text command or employ the Spline tool for more artistic representations of letters.
  2. Start Drawing:

    • Depending on which tool you choose, click to mark the initial point and proceed to outline the desired letter shapes by clicking at various points to create curves and angles.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I change the font size of my text in AutoCAD?

  • To adjust the font size, navigate to the Text Style dialog in the Annotation panel, select the style you want to modify, and change the Height setting in the dialog box. Click Apply to update your text.

2. What are the differences between single line text and multiline text?

  • Single Line Text (TEXT) creates independent lines of text allowing for quick placement, while Multiline Text (MTEXT) enables the creation of text blocks with additional formatting options, such as paragraph alignment and bulleted lists.

3. Can I stop a text command before finalizing?

  • Yes, to exit the text command without inserting any text, press the Esc key. This will cancel the command and return control back to you.

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.