Understanding Text Features in AutoCAD 2017
Adding text in AutoCAD can significantly enhance your drawings by making them informative and easier to understand. This guide will take you through the steps for adding text in AutoCAD 2017 effectively, allowing you to manipulate various text styles according to your project needs.
Step 1: Accessing the Text Style Panel
To begin the process, navigate to the Home tab on the ribbon. From there, locate the Annotation panel and click on Text Style. This will bring up the Text Style dialog box, where you can manage your text settings.
Step 2: Creating or Selecting a Text Style
In the Text Style dialog box, you have two options:
- Creating a New Style: Click on the New button and enter a name for your new text style.
- Using an Existing Style: Select an existing text style from the list if one fits your requirements.
Step 3: Choosing Your Font
After selecting or creating a style, focus on the Font Name dropdown. Click it to reveal a list of available fonts. Choose the font that best suits your project. Ensure that the font is appropriate for the types of drawings you’re working on.
Step 4: Setting Text Size
Next, specify the text height by entering the desired value in the height box. This value represents the height of the text in your drawing units. Adjust it according to the scale of your project for optimal visibility.
Step 5: Adjusting Additional Settings
- Oblique Angle: If you want the text to appear slanted, set the oblique angle under the relevant field.
- Character Spacing: Modify the spacing between characters to enhance readability or fit your design specifications.
- Annotative Option: If your drawing will require text to be scalable depending on the layout’s scale, enable the annotative feature.
Step 6: Applying the Changes
Once you have configured the settings to your satisfaction, click on the Apply button to save your changes. This updates any existing text that utilizes the modified style as well.
Step 7: Entering Text into the Drawing
To input text into your drawing, use the TEXT command. Type TEXT in the command line and hit enter. Click on the point in the drawing where you wish to place the text. Follow the prompts to specify the text height and angle as necessary.
Step 8: Editing Text
If you need to edit the text after it has been entered, select the text object and double-click it. This will allow you to modify the text string directly. For more precise adjustments, you can also access the properties palette.
Common Text Commands in AutoCAD
- Single-Line Text: Ideal for entering one line of text. Activate by typing
TEXT. - Multiline Text: For more complex text arrangements, type
MTEXTto create a paragraph.
FAQs
1. What types of fonts can I use in AutoCAD?
You can use any TrueType font installed on your operating system, as well as AutoCAD’s native fonts.
2. Can I convert existing text styles to new styles?
Yes, you can modify existing text styles by selecting them in the Text Style dialog box and adjusting their properties as needed.
3. What is the purpose of the Annotative feature for text?
The Annotative feature allows text size to automatically adjust based on the viewport scale, ensuring consistent readability across different layouts.
