How Do You Explode Text in AutoCAD LT?

Understanding Text in AutoCAD

When working with AutoCAD and its various text types, it’s essential to know how to manipulate and explode them, especially when transitioning from simple text to a more complex structure. This article focuses on the process of exploding text in AutoCAD LT for diverse applications.

Exploding Text in AutoCAD LT

To explode text in AutoCAD LT, follow these methodical steps:

1. Select the Text Object: Begin by identifying the single line text object you want to explode. Click on it to ensure it is selected.

2. Access the Command Line: Type EXPLODE into the command line and hit Enter. This command will initiate the explode function.

3. Confirm the Selection: You’ll be prompted to select the object(s). Click on the text you wish to explode again and press Enter.

4. Review the Result: After executing the explode command, the selected text will be converted into individual characters. This allows for precise modifications to each character, allowing further customization or repositioning.

Additional Options for Exploding Text

If you find that the above steps do not provide the desired outcome or if you’re dealing with MText (Multi-line Text), consider these alternatives:

1. Convert MText to Text: If you’re handling multi-line text, first convert it to single-line text by selecting the text object and using the command TEXTTOFRMT, which breaks the MText down to individual lines for easier manipulation.

2. Use the Express Tools: If available, navigate to the Express Tools menu, then select the ‘Convert Mtext to Text’ option to break it down before exploding.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the text does not explode as expected, ensure:

• You are not trying to explode a text object that is part of a block reference.
• Use the LIST command to check properties and confirm the object is not locked or protected from editing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a difference between exploding text and using the ‘break’ command?
The explode command separates text into its individual components, modifying each character separately. The break command simply cuts through the text or an object without separating it into parts.

2. Can I undo the explode action?
Yes, if you accidentally explode text, you can use the UNDO command to revert the last action and recover the original text format.

3. What should I do if the explode command is not available?
Check to ensure you are using AutoCAD LT and not a version with limited features. If in AutoCAD LT, verify that you are selecting compatible text objects. If you still encounter issues, consider consulting the software’s support documentation.