AutoCAD

How to Turn Off Text Mask in AutoCAD?

Turning Off Text Mask in AutoCAD

When working with text in AutoCAD, you might find that a background mask has been applied to your text. This can be useful for visibility, but there are times when you may need to remove it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to disable the text mask in AutoCAD.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Text Mask

  1. Select the Text:

    • Begin by double-clicking on the text object that has the background mask. This action will open the Multiline Text Editor, where you can modify the text properties.
  2. Access the Background Mask Settings:

    • Within the Multiline Text Editor toolbar, look for the option labeled “Background Mask.” It may be represented by an icon or text option.
  3. Disable the Background Mask:

    • Once in the Background Mask dialog, you will see a checkbox labeled “Use background mask.” Uncheck this box to turn off the mask.
  4. Apply Changes:

    • After unchecking the option, click the "OK" button to confirm your changes and close the dialog box.
  5. Finalizing:
    • Close the Multiline Text Editor by clicking the close button or hitting “Done.” You should now see that the background mask has been removed from your text.

Understanding the Function of Text Mask in AutoCAD

The Text Mask feature in AutoCAD serves to enhance text visibility by hiding underlying objects. This is accomplished by creating a mask behind selected text, which moves along with the text when adjustments are made. To update the mask if any changes to the text have been made, you can run the TEXTMASK command again and select the text that requires an update.

Common Masking Techniques in AutoCAD

Wipeout Command

  1. Initiate the Wipeout Command:

    • Navigate to the Annotate tab, then find the Markup panel. Click on "Wipeout."
  2. Define the Area:

    • Specify points in a sequence that trace out the perimeter of the area you want to mask. You can also use existing closed polylines as boundaries.
  3. Complete the Command:
    • After outlining the area, press Enter to finish. The selected region will now be hidden from view.

Making Wipeout Invisible

To ensure that the Wipeout does not display edges, you can turn off the frame visibility:

  1. Select Frame Option:

    • During the Wipeout command, choose the Frames option from the command line.
  2. Set Frame Off:
    • When prompted, type "Off" to disable the frame visibility. This makes the Wipeout blend seamlessly into the background.

FAQ Section

1. How can I check if my text has a background mask applied in AutoCAD?

  • You can double-click on the text object to open the Multiline Text Editor. If the Background Mask option is checked, this indicates that a mask is currently applied.

2. What do I do if the text mask won’t disable?

  • Ensure that you are editing the correct text object. If the problem persists, save your work and restart AutoCAD, then try again to turn off the mask.

3. Can I apply a text mask to multiple text objects simultaneously?

  • Yes, you can select multiple text objects, right-click, and choose the option to apply a background mask to all selected items at once. To disable, you will need to repeat the unmasking steps for each selected item.

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.