AutoCAD: How to Make Text Follow a Curve?

Understanding Curved Text in AutoCAD

Curving text in AutoCAD can enhance your designs by allowing you to create more aesthetically pleasing annotations and labels. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to make text follow a curve effectively.

Preparing the Workspace

1. Open AutoCAD 2025: Start by launching AutoCAD 2025 and creating a new drawing or opening an existing one.
2. Set Up the Text Style: Before adding curving text, ensure your text style is set up correctly. Navigate to the ‘Text Style Manager’ by typing STYLE in the command line, selecting a text style, and specifying the height and font you want.

Creating a Path for the Text

1. Draw a Curve: Use the ‘SPLINE’ or ‘ARC’ tool from the Home tab to create the desired curve that your text will follow. This will serve as the path for your text.
2. Adjust the Curve: Make adjustments to the curve as needed to ensure that it fits well within your design layout.

Adding the Text

1. Inserting the Text: Select the ‘TEXT’ tool from the Home tab or type TEXT in the command line. Click at the point where you want your text to begin on the curve.
2. Input Text: Enter the text you want to appear along the curve in the dialog box that appears. Keep the length in mind as long phrases may require adjustments later.

Converting Text to Follow the Curve

1. Select the Text: After placing the text, select it to bring up the contextual menu.
2. Command for Text to Follow Path: Use the command PEDIT. Type this into the command line and hit ‘Enter’.

3. Convert to Polyline: Respond to the prompts by selecting the text and choosing to convert it into a polyline.

4. Curve the Text: Once your text is a polyline, type TEXTEDIT in the command line. Choose ‘Edit Text’ and select ‘Follow Path’. Click on the curve you created earlier.
5. Final Adjustments: Adjust the position and orientation of the text by dragging it along the curve to achieve the desired visual effect.

Considering Text Properties

1. Text Height and Style: Access the ‘Properties’ palette by right-clicking on the text or typing PROPERTIES in the command line. Adjust the text height to fit well with your overall design.
2. Multiple Lines: If your text does not appear properly along the curve, ensure the ‘Multiple Lines’ option is turned on in the properties. This setting allows for curved phrases that are longer than the width designated.

Viewing the Result

1. Zoom and Inspect: Use the zoom tool to closely inspect how the text appears on the curve. Make adjustments as necessary by repeating some of the previous steps.
2. Save Your Work: After you are satisfied with the curve and text appearance, save your work to avoid losing any progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I curve text in AutoCAD 2025 using a different method?

Yes, aside from using the ‘PEDIT’ command, you can create a dynamic block that allows text to flexibly adjust along a predefined path or use third-party plugins that may offer advanced text manipulation features.

Is it possible to edit the curved text once placed?

Absolutely. You can select the curved text, and by accessing the properties, you can change its style, height, and its path can even be adjusted if needed for better alignment or aesthetic appeal.

What should I do if my text crumbles or overlaps on the curve?

If this occurs, ensure that the base curve is sufficiently defined and that the text spacing is set correctly in the properties. Experimenting with text size and repositioning along the curve will usually resolve these issues.