How To Make Mirror In AutoCAD Without Mirroring Text?

Understanding Mirroring in AutoCAD

Mirroring is a powerful feature in AutoCAD that enables users to create a symmetrical copy of selected objects across a specified line. However, when it comes to text, AutoCAD has specific rules in place that can lead to unintended mirror effects. The system variable MIRRTEXT determines how text behaves during mirroring actions.

Steps to Mirror Objects Without Affecting Text

To mirror objects in AutoCAD without reversing any associated text, follow these steps:

1. Select the Objects: Navigate to the Home tab and choose the Modify panel. Click on the Mirror tool.
2. Choose the Elements to Mirror: Click on the objects you wish to mirror. Ensure that any textual elements are included in your selection at this stage if you want them retained.
3. Define the Mirror Line: Click to specify two points that will create a line for the mirroring action. This line is crucial as it dictates the orientation of the mirrored copy.
4. Retain Original Objects: After defining the mirror line, AutoCAD prompts whether to erase the original objects. Enter Enter to keep them, or Y to delete them.
5. Adjust MIRRTEXT Variable: Before executing the command, type MIRRTEXT in the command line. Set the variable to 0 to ensure that any text remains unchanged as you perform the mirroring operation.

How to Set Up the MIRRTEXT Variable

The MIRRTEXT system variable is vital for managing the orientation of text when using the mirror command. Here’s how to adjust it:

1. Access the Command Line: Click on the command line area at the bottom of the AutoCAD window.
2. Input MIRRTEXT: Type MIRRTEXT and hit Enter.
3. Change the Value: Input 0 to disable text mirroring. This will ensure that text maintains its original orientation during the mirroring of other objects.
4. Verify Changes: You can check the current setting again by repeating the command to confirm it has been set properly.

Alternative Methods of Flipping Text

If you need to mirror text independently of other objects, here are some alternative methods:

1. Use the Rotate Command: Navigate to the Text panel and access the rotate function. You can adjust the text orientation if needed.
2. Create a Separate Text Object: When you know you will need a mirrored text, create a new text box and ensure to adjust its settings before mirroring.
3. Manually Adjust Text Attributes: After performing your mirror action, manually adjust the text within the newly created mirrored copy to maintain clarity.

FAQs

1. Can I mirror groups of objects without changing text orientation?
   Yes, adjust the MIRRTEXT variable to zero before mirroring to ensure text remains unchanged.
2. Is it possible to preview the mirror effect before applying?
   No direct preview exists for the mirror command, but you can adjust the settings beforehand to confirm how it will affect text.
3. What happens if I forget to set the MIRRTEXT variable?
   If left at one, text may appear backward, which can complicate the design; always confirm the setting before executing your mirroring operation.