AutoCAD

How to Change Edit Text Box in AutoCAD?

Editing a Text Box in AutoCAD

Step 1: Accessing the Text Box

Begin by locating the multiline text box (MTEXT) you wish to edit within your drawing. A direct way to do this is by double-clicking on the text box itself. This action opens the In-Place Text Editor, where you will be able to make your modifications.

Step 2: Modifying the Text

Once the In-Place Text Editor appears, you will see the existing text displayed. You can now delete, modify, or add new text as necessary. Use your keyboard to make changes directly in the text box. The editor provides various formatting options that can enhance the appearance of your text as you work.

Step 3: Saving Your Changes

After you have made the desired changes, it’s important to save your work. There are several ways to exit the editor and save your edits:

  • Navigate to the Text Editor ribbon, find the Close panel, and click on “Close Text Editor.”
  • Alternatively, you can click “OK” on the Text Formatting toolbar to finalize your changes immediately.

Enabling the Text Editor

If the In-Place Text Editor is not launching when you double-click on your text, check your settings. Access the ribbon and find the MTEXT or dimension text, then double-click to activate the editor. If it still does not open, click on “More” in the upper right corner of the ribbon, select “Editor Settings,” and ensure that the “Show Toolbar” option is checked.

Editing Annotations

To modify annotations in AutoCAD, go to the “Annotate” tab, find the Dimensions panel, and click on the dialog box launcher. Here, you can select the annotation style you want to change and press “Modify” to make your adjustments.

Troubleshooting Text Editing Issues

If you are unable to edit your text, ensure that the settings are correctly configured. Type PICKFIRST into the command line and change its value to 1. You can also check the OPTIONS dialog—navigate to the Selection tab and see if the “Noun/verb selection” checkbox is enabled. Also, look for the “Double click editing” option in the User Preferences tab and enable it if it is not already.

Customizing Text Styles in AutoCAD 2025

To alter text styles:

  1. Go to the “Home” tab and find the Annotation panel.
  2. Click on “Text Style” to open the corresponding dialog box.
  3. Here, you can create a new style by selecting “New” and specifying a name for the style.
  4. Customize the font, size, oblique angle, and character spacing according to your preferences.
  5. Make additional adjustments as needed before saving.

Editing Blocks in AutoCAD

To edit a block in AutoCAD:

  1. Go to the “Insert” tab and click on the Block Definition panel.
  2. Select “Create Block,” then choose the block you want to modify from the Name list.
  3. Update the description in the provided box, and finalize by clicking “OK.”

Using the Change Command for Multiple Text Edits

For batch editing of text:

  1. Activate the CHANGE command.
  2. Select the relevant text objects you wish to edit.
  3. Press ENTER to confirm your selection.
  4. For each text instance, you may need to press ENTER a few times before being able to edit the text string.
  5. Type in the changes and press ENTER to move on to the next text item.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I add annotation symbols in AutoCAD?

To insert annotation symbols, access the “Insert” tab, go to the Content panel, and click on “Design Center.” From the DesignCenter palette, navigate to the AEC Content tab, expand the relevant directory based on your units, and insert the desired symbols.

What should I do if my text editor is still not working?

Verify if the necessary editing options are enabled. You may need to reset your AutoCAD settings or consult the help section of AutoCAD for potential fixes. If the problem persists, consider reinstalling the software.

Can I change the scale for annotative objects?

Yes, after inserting text or dimensions, go to the Properties palette, set the Annotative property to Yes, and adjust the scales as needed. You can open the Annotative Object Scale dialog by selecting the scale next to the current measurement and adding any scales required for proper visualization.

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.