AutoCAD

How To Add Text To A Polyline In AutoCAD?

Understanding How to Add Text to a Polyline in AutoCAD

Adding text to a polyline in AutoCAD can enhance the readability of your design plans. The process involves converting text entities into polylines and positioning them effectively. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to achieving this in AutoCAD.

Step 1: Navigate to the Express Tools Tab

Open your AutoCAD workspace and locate the Express Tools tab. This tab hosts several useful features, including tools for modifying text.

Step 2: Modify Text

After opening the Express Tools tab, look for the Modify Text section. Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu, and then select Explode Text. This action allows you to convert your text into separate graphical elements, making it easier to manipulate.

Step 3: Select Your Text

Once the Explode Text option is active, click on the text that you want to convert into polylines. The selected text will transform into a series of polylines representative of the original text glyphs.

Step 4: Manage the Polylines

Now that your text has been converted to polylines, you can edit them as needed. Make sure to select the polylines, as you will use them to create detailed annotations or graphical features in your design.

Additional Considerations for Text and Polylines in AutoCAD

Creating and Managing Text Layers

Creating a dedicated text layer can improve organization in your AutoCAD drawings. To do this:

  1. Open the Display Manager.
  2. Right-click on your existing text layer.
  3. Select Create New Layer and name it accordingly.
  4. Specify the location for the new text features on your drawing.

Linking Text to Areas

If you need to link text to specific areas, such as a boundary or a polyline, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Select Object button.
  2. Choose the boundary (polyline) you want to link the text to.
  3. In the properties box that appears, select Area and click OK to establish the link.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I edit the properties of a polyline after adding text?

You can modify polylines by selecting the desired polyline and navigating to the Home tab > Modify panel > Edit Polyline. From there, you can adjust the vertices, widths, and other properties as needed.

Is it possible to change the text style in AutoCAD 2025?

Absolutely. To change the text style, go to the Home tab > Annotation panel > Text Style. This will bring up the Text Style dialog box, where you can create a new style or modify an existing one. Adjust the font, size, and other settings to customize the text to your liking.

Can I create custom linetypes that include text in AutoCAD?

Yes, you can create custom linetypes that incorporate text. Begin by defining a simple linetype in a LIN file and insert a text character descriptor using the format [“text”, text_style_name, scale, rotation, xoffset, yoffset]. This allows for detailed customization of how text appears along the line.

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.