AutoCAD

How To Stack Numbers In AutoCAD?

Understanding Stacked Text in AutoCAD

Stacked text in AutoCAD refers to a setup where text is arranged vertically, such as in fractions or specific mathematical representations. This feature is particularly useful for displaying measurements and other numerical data clearly. Mastering this functionality enhances the clarity and professionalism of your designs.

Steps to Stack Text in AutoCAD

To stack text effectively in AutoCAD, follow these carefully laid-out steps:

  1. Open the Multiline Text Tool: Navigate to the Drafting tab. Locate the Text panel, and select the Multiline Text option. This tool allows you to create a text box.
  2. Define the Text Box: Click to establish two opposite corners of a bounding box. This sets the width and area for your multiline text.
  3. Enter Your Text: In the In-Place Text Editor that appears, input the text you wish to stack. For fractions, use a forward slash (/) between the numerator and denominator.
  4. Select Stacked Text: Highlight the portion of text that you want to stack, then proceed to the next step.
  5. Access Stack Properties: Click on the lightning bolt icon that appears near the selected text. This opens the Stack Properties dialog box.
  6. Adjust Settings: In this dialog, modify the stacking settings as per your requirements. Confirm the changes to apply them to your text.

Continuing Numbering in AutoCAD

If you need to continue numbering in AutoCAD, simply right-click on the text component under the “Bullets and Lists” section. From there, select the “Continue” option to effortlessly carry on your sequential numbering.

Disabling Fraction Stacking

Should you wish to turn off the fraction stacking in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Edit the Text: Double-click the stacked text you wish to modify, or select it and right-click to choose the Mtext Edit option.
  2. Access the Text Formatting Dialog: This allows you to edit how your text appears. Right-click on the stacked characters.
  3. Modify Stack Properties: Click on Stack Properties and find the AutoStack option within the menu.
  4. Disable AutoStacking: Uncheck the “Enable AutoStacking” box and apply your changes.

Creating Stacked Fractions

For those looking to create stacked fractions, the steps are as follows:

  1. Navigate to the Insert Tab: Begin by clicking on the Insert tab located in the main menu.
  2. Select Equation: In the Symbols group, you will find the “Equation” option. Click on this to open the equation editor.
  3. Choose Fraction Type: Within the equation editor, select either the “Stacked Fraction” or “Skewed Fraction” option from the dropdown list.
  4. Edit and Finalize: Make necessary adjustments to your fraction, then confirm to incorporate it into your design.

Counting Entities in AutoCAD

If you need to count specific entities within your drawing, use the Quick Select feature:

  1. Access Quick Select: Right-click in the drawing area and choose Quick Select from the context menu.
  2. Select Object Type: In the Object Type dropdown, specify the type of object you want to count.
  3. Apply Filters if Necessary: Optionally, filter these objects by setting specific properties or values.
  4. Count and Confirm: Click OK to count the selected entities as per your filters.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How can I modify the style of stacked text? By accessing the Stack Properties dialog after selecting your stacked text, you can change font, size, and line spacing settings.
  2. Can I convert all fractions to stacked format at once? There’s no direct bulk method, but you can use the AutoStack feature to apply it quickly to selected texts.
  3. What should I do if AutoCAD crashes while working with text stacking? Ensure that you save your work frequently and consider increasing the program’s memory allocation for smoother performance.

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.