How to Underline Mtext in AutoCAD?

Underlining Mtext in AutoCAD: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Mtext in AutoCAD

AutoCAD offers users a variety of text options for annotations and documentation, one of which is Mtext (multi-line text). This type of text allows for greater formatting flexibility compared to single-line text (Dtext). Among the formatting options available, underlining text can help emphasize important information.

How to Underline Mtext in AutoCAD

To apply an underline to Mtext within AutoCAD, follow these detailed steps:

1. Open the Mtext Command:

   • Navigate to the Home tab on the ribbon and select the Annotation panel. Click on the ‘Multiline Text’ icon or enter MTEXT in the command line and press Enter.

2. Create Your Text Box:

   • Click and drag in the drawing area to define the boundaries of your Mtext box. This will open the Text Editor.

3. Input Your Text:

   • Type the desired text within the Mtext box. If you are editing existing Mtext, double-click on it to activate the Text Editor.

4. Select the Text:

   • Highlight the specific text you want to underline. You can do this by clicking and dragging your mouse across the text or by pressing Ctrl+A to select all the text within the box.

5. Apply Underline Format:

   • With the text highlighted, look for the text formatting toolbar that appears above the text box in the Text Editor. Click the underline button (represented by a "U" with a line beneath it) to apply the underline formatting.
6. Save Your Changes:
   • Once you have finished formatting your text, click outside the text box to exit the editor. Your changes will be automatically saved.

Underlining Text in Attributes

Attributes in AutoCAD allow you to insert variable data within blocks. To underline text in attributes, take the following steps:

1. Open the Attribute Definition:

   • Start by creating an attribute definition using the ATTDEF command or by selecting the ‘Attributes’ option from the Block panel.

2. Multi-line Option:

   • In the Attribute Definition dialog box, check the option that allows for multiple lines (if applicable) to ensure that the text behaves as expected.

3. Enter the Default Value:

   • Type the default text you want for the attribute.

4. Highlight the Text:

   • After entering the value, select all the text within the attribute field using Ctrl+A.

5. Underline the Selected Text:

   • Click on the underline option in the formatting toolbar, similar to the process used for Mtext.
6. Finish and Save:
   • After applying the underline, confirm the changes and save your block.

Removing Underline from Mtext

If you need to remove the underline from Mtext or attributes in AutoCAD:

1. Select the Mtext:

   • Double-click on the Mtext to open it in the Text Editor.

2. Highlight the Underlined Text:

   • Use your mouse to highlight the text that has the underline applied.

3. Access the Underline Tool:

   • Click the underline button in the formatting toolbar to deactivate the underline effect. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+U while the text is highlighted.
4. Save Changes:
   • Click outside the text box to apply your changes.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I underline only part of the text in an Mtext box?
Yes, you can highlight specific segments of text within the Mtext box and apply the underline formatting only to the selected portions.

Q2: Is it possible to create custom text styles that include underline as a default feature?
AutoCAD allows you to create custom text styles, but underlining must be manually applied to the text since it is not typically a default option in styles.

Q3: How do I ensure my text appears correctly when printed?
Always check the print preview to verify that your text formatting, including any underlines, shows up as intended. Adjust the plot styles if necessary to maintain visibility.