Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Text in AutoCAD 2018
Accessing the Text Tool
To begin adding text in AutoCAD 2018, navigate to the Home tab located in the ribbon at the top of the screen. From there, find the Annotation panel, where you will see the option for Single Line Text. Click this option to initiate the text insertion process.
Specifying Your Insertion Point
After selecting the Single Line Text tool, the next step requires you to define where you want the text to appear on your drawing. Click once in the drawing area to specify the insertion point. This is crucial, as it determines the text’s position in your design.
Setting Text Height
Once the insertion point is set, you’ll be prompted to enter the height for the text. You can type a specific height directly or click a point in the drawing area to visually select the height. This dimension is important for readability and fits the overall design.
Adjusting Text Angle
Next, you will need to specify the angle for the text. If the text needs to be at a specific rotation, enter the angle value in degrees. You can also click in the drawing area if you prefer to visually set the angle. Proper angle adjustment helps to present the text in a way that flows with your design layout.
Entering Your Text
Now you are ready to type your desired text into the command line prompt. This is where you input the actual message, label, or annotation you wish to include. Once you finish typing, hit Enter to confirm your text.
Creating Additional Text Lines
Should you wish to add more single-line text, you have a couple of options. Simply repeat the previous steps, starting from specifying a new insertion point. Alternatively, you can use the Enter key to quickly reinitiate the text command without going back to the toolbar.
Editing Existing Text
If you need to modify any text after it has been added, select the text object, then right-click and choose Properties or Mtext Edit (for multiline text). This gives you the ability to adjust the text content as well as its formatting.
Utilizing Text Styles
To maintain consistency throughout your AutoCAD project, you may want to set up a Text Style. Navigate to the Annotation panel and click on Text Style. Here, you can create a new style, specifying the font, size, and other settings that suit your design preferences. After setting your desired style, apply it to existing text for uniformity.
Managing Text Size
If you decide that you need to adjust the size of your text after creating it, access the Drafting tab and navigate to the Text panel. Select Style and choose the text style you want to modify. Here, you can enter a new height in the Height box and click Apply to affect all existing text using that style.
Enabling the Text Editor
For more complex text editing needs, you might want to enable the Text Editor. Double-click any MTEXT or dimension text in your drawing, and then navigate to the top right of the ribbon to customize the editor settings. This will allow you to access additional formatting options.
Opening the Text Editor
After creating a multiline text object, to edit it similarly to single-line text, simply right-click on the text and select Mtext Edit. This opens an In-Place Text Editor where you can make comprehensive changes to both the content and the appearance of the text.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between single-line text and multiline text in AutoCAD?
Single-line text is used for short annotations where each line is treated as a separate entity. In contrast, multiline text (MTEXT) allows for more extensive formatting options and can contain multiple lines within a single object.
2. Can I change the font of existing text in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can change the font by using the Text Style dialog. Select the text style you wish to modify or create a new one, then apply it to your text objects to change their font.
3. How can I ensure that my text is consistently formatted throughout my project?
To achieve consistent text formatting, utilize the Text Style feature to create a style that includes your preferred font, size, and alignment. Apply this style to all text entries in your project for uniformity.
