AutoCAD

How to Join Leader and Text in AutoCAD?

by Wei Zhang
4 min read

Understanding Leaders and Text in AutoCAD

When working in AutoCAD, integrating text with leader lines is essential for clear communication of annotations and directions within your drawings. Leaders serve to direct attention towards specific points or objects in your design, accompanied by explanatory text. The following sections provide a detailed guide on how to effectively create and combine leaders with text in AutoCAD 2025.

Creating a Leader in AutoCAD

  1. Access the Leader Tool: Start by navigating to the Dimensions toolbar. Here, locate and click on the Leader tool button.

  2. Using the Command Menu: Alternatively, open the Dimensions menu and select the Leader option directly from there.

  3. Command Line Approach: Type leader or dimleader into the command bar and press Enter. This action activates the leader command.

  4. Define Leader Points: Click on the drawing area to set the starting point for your leader. Next, define where the arrowhead of the leader will point by selecting the endpoint.

  5. Add Text: After establishing the leader points, a prompt will appear for entering text. Type the desired annotations, then hit Enter to finish.

Combining MText with Leaders

  1. Initiate the MT2ML Command: Input MT2ML into the command line and press Enter. This command is specifically designed for merging MText with leaders.

  2. Select the Text Object: Click on the MText object to which you want to attach the leader. Ensure the chosen text is intended for this combination.

  3. Specify Arrow Placement: Choose the point in your drawing where the arrow of your leader will be positioned. This aids in direction and clarity.

  4. Determine Leader Vertex: Click on the drawing area to select the first vertex of the leader. This marks the initial direction of your leader line.

  5. Finalize the Leader: After establishing the leader’s direction, you can add any required additional vertices by clicking in the drawing area again. Once done, press Enter to complete the action.

Utilizing Multileaders in AutoCAD

Instead of basic leaders, you can create Multileaders for more complex annotations that need to link to multiple pieces of text.

  1. Select the Multileader Tool: Go to the Home tab and navigate to the Annotation panel, where you will find the Multileader option. Click on it to begin.

  2. Access Options: During the command sequence, type o and hit Enter to open the options menu, giving you access to customize your leader.

  3. Leader Specifications: Enter l to specify the type of leader you want to use. For simplicity, you can choose straight leaders by entering s.

  4. Setting the Leader Endpoint: Click on the drawing area to set the starting point, then click again to set the endpoint for your leader line.

  5. Input Text Content: After establishing the leader, you will be prompted to enter the content you wish to annotate. Type it in and press Enter.

Changing Existing Leaders in AutoCAD

To modify the styles or characteristics of an existing leader:

  1. Navigate to the Multileader Style Manager: Click on the Home tab, and under the Annotation panel, select Multileader Style.

  2. Create a New Style: Click on the New button to initiate the creation of a new leader style.

  3. Set Parameters: You will be prompted to name your new style. Use the Modify Multileader Style dialog to adjust leader formats and appearance settings, including line types and arrow configurations.

  4. Apply Changes: Once you have customized the settings, apply them to make the leaders in your drawing conform to the new style.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I convert single-line text to multiline text in AutoCAD?
Use the Express Tools tab, find the Text panel, and select the Convert to Mtext tool. This tool allows you to select individual single-line text objects and combine them into a single multiline text object for improved formatting.

2. Is it possible to revert a multileader back to a standard leader?
While AutoCAD does not offer a direct command to convert a Multileader back to a single leader, you can create a new leader following the steps above and manually link your desired text as needed.

3. Can I adjust the appearance of leaders after they have been created?
Absolutely. You can modify the styles of existing leaders using the Multileader Style Manager, where you can change aspects such as line type, arrow styles, and other formatting options.

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.

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