How to Enter Text in AutoCAD?

Understanding Text Insertion in AutoCAD

AutoCAD enables users to add various types of text to their drawings, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. Mastering the text commands and styles is crucial for effective communication through design.

Inserting Text in AutoCAD

To insert text within your AutoCAD drawing, follow these steps:

1. Select the Text Command:

   • Access the command line and type TEXT for single-line text or MTEXT for multiline text.
   • Hit Enter after typing the command.

2. Specify the Location:

   • Click on the drawing area where you want the text to begin.

3. Define Text Height and Other Properties:

   • You’ll be prompted to enter the text height. Specify a value that suits your design requirements.
   • If you need to adjust the text angle, you can do so in this step.

4. Enter Your Text:

   • Begin typing your desired text. For multiline text, you might be required to adjust the bounding box size by dragging or specifying dimensions.
5. Finalize Your Input:
   • For single-line text, you can press Enter after typing to finish.
   • For multiline text, once the text is complete, click outside the text box or right-click to select "Close Text Editor."

Text Command Overview

AutoCAD features two primary commands for text creation:

• Single-Line Text (TEXT): Each line is a separate object that can be freely moved and formatted.
• Multiline Text (MTEXT): This command allows for extensive formatting and the inclusion of paragraphs, making it ideal for annotations or notes requiring more structure.

Navigating to New Lines

To insert a line break when working with multiline text, follow these steps:

1. Position the Cursor: Click where you want the new line.
2. Insert Line Break: Simply press the Enter key. This will create a new line within the same text box.

Changing Text Types

If you wish to alter the text type or style in AutoCAD, proceed with the following:

1. Access the Text Style Manager:

   • Click on the “Home” tab, then navigate to the "Annotation" panel and select "Text Style."

2. Modify Existing Styles or Create New Ones:

   • Select an existing style or click "New" to create a custom style.
   • Enter the style name and choose the desired font from the dropdown list.
3. Adjust Formatting Options:
   • Define the font size, angle, and character spacing to your preferences.
   • Don’t forget to click “Apply” once you make your adjustments.

Understanding Text Types

Within AutoCAD, there are two main types of text:

• Single-Line Text: Ideal for short annotations or labels. Each line operates as an independent entity.
• Multiline Text: Suitable for longer descriptions or detailed notes, offering formatting options to enhance presentation.

Changing Text Size

To update the text size in your drawing:

1. Open the Text Style Panel:

   • Go to the “Drafting” tab and select the “Text” panel.

2. Select the Text Style:

   • Choose the specific text style you wish to modify.
3. Adjust Height:
   • Input the new height value in the “Height” box and click “Apply” to see the changes reflected in the drawing.

Converting Text Formats

To change single-line text to multiline, follow these steps:

1. Select the Desired Text:

   • Click on the single-line text object you want to convert.

2. Use the Convert Command:

   • Navigate to the “Express Tools” tab, select the “Text” panel, and choose the “Convert to Mtext” option.
3. Complete the Conversion:
   • After selecting the text objects, hit Enter to finish the conversion process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between single-line and multiline text in AutoCAD?
Single-line text consists of individual text entities, making it easier to position and move. Multiline text allows for multiple lines of formatted text within a single text box, ideal for lengthy annotations.

Can I adjust the font style for existing text in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can modify existing text styles by accessing the Text Style Manager, where you can choose different fonts or create new styles as needed.

How do I change the spacing between lines of text in AutoCAD?
To change line spacing, select a multiline text object, right-click, and choose "Properties." You can then adjust the line spacing settings to achieve your desired appearance.