How to Find Text in AutoCAD?

Methods to Locate Text in AutoCAD

Searching for text within your drawing is a crucial skill in AutoCAD, allowing users to efficiently manage and modify their designs. The process can be accomplished through different methods depending on whether you want to merely find text or also replace it.

Using the FIND Command in AutoCAD

To initiate a text search using the FIND command:

1. Open your AutoCAD file.
2. Go to the Annotate tab located in the ribbon.
3. Select the Text panel and click on Find.
4. In the dialog that appears, input the text you wish to search for.
5. Press the Enter key. The software will search through the drawing for that specific text.

If you’re working in a 3D environment, AutoCAD will temporarily switch your viewport to 2D to ensure that the search is not obstructed by 3D objects.

Replacing Text with the FIND Command

To change text after you have located it, follow these steps:

1. After entering the text to search, check the option for Replace within the same dialog box.
2. Type the new text that you want to use in place of the found text.
3. Select the relevant options, if needed, such as case sensitivity or searching for whole words.
4. Click on Replace to swap out the text in your drawing.

Finding Text in DWG TrueView

If you’re using DWG TrueView and need to search for text, here’s how:

1. Navigate to the Tools menu.
2. Select Find from the dropdown, or simply press Ctrl + F on your keyboard.

This simple approach allows text search even when working in a different Autodesk application.

Utilizing Wildcards for Text Search

AutoCAD supports wildcard characters to enhance your search capabilities. To utilize this:

1. Enter a wildcard character in your text search. For example, using * substitutes for any string of characters.
2. After entering the wildcard, proceed as usual to execute your search.
3. Examine the results displayed in your drawing.

Selecting Similar Text Objects

To quickly select text objects that share similar properties, utilize the following method:

1. Type SELECTSIMILAR in the command line and hit Enter.
2. Select one text object that serves as the basis for your selection.
3. All objects similar to the chosen one will be highlighted for easy editing or modification.

Changing Text Style and Size

To change the style of your text within AutoCAD:

1. Go to the Home tab and click on the Text Style button located in the Annotation panel.
2. To create a new style, click on New and specify a name.
3. Select the preferred Font Name, adjust the Size, and any additional character settings you find necessary.
4. Click Apply and then Close to finalize the changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Ctrl+F for something other than searching text?

In AutoCAD, pressing Ctrl + F doesn’t initiate a text search; rather, it toggles the OSNAP feature on and off. The command can be customized but defaults to this functionality.

How do I view hidden text in AutoCAD?

To reveal hidden text, ensure you are in the correct layer where the text resides and that it is not turned off or frozen. You can use the Layer Properties Manager to check the status of layers in your drawing.

Is it possible to highlight all text at once?

Yes, by pressing Ctrl + A, you can select all text objects within your drawing. This allows for batch editing or formatting of text elements efficiently.