How to Use Text Align in AutoCAD

Understanding Text Alignment in AutoCAD

Text alignment in AutoCAD is crucial for ensuring that your annotations and labels appear correctly and professionally in your drawings. Mastering text alignment can enhance the readability and overall presentation of your designs. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to adjust various text alignment settings in AutoCAD.

Aligning Text with Dimension Lines

To align text directly with dimension lines, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Home tab and locate the Annotation panel, then select Dimension Style.
2. In the Dimension Style Manager window, identify and select the dimension style you wish to modify.
3. Click on the Modify button, which will open the Modify Dimension Style dialog box. Switch to the Text tab.
4. Under the Text Alignment section, choose Aligned with Dimension Line from the dropdown options.
5. After making your selection, click Close to exit the Dimension Style Manager.

Aligning Objects in AutoCAD

For aligning various objects within your drawing, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Home tab and select the Modify panel, then click on Align.
2. Click to select the objects you wish to align in your drawing.
3. Designate a source point by clicking on it first, then specify the corresponding destination point where you want the object to move.
4. If you need to rotate the object during alignment, select a second source point and a second destination point accordingly.
5. Press Enter to complete the command.

Aligning Text Parallel to a Line

Aligning text parallel to a specific line can be accomplished with these steps:

1. Begin by selecting the text object you wish to align.
2. Next, use the Nearest snap feature to select the line you want the text to follow.
3. Choose two distinct points on the line to define the alignment direction. Ensure the order of selection (left to right, or vice versa) is consistent.

Centering Text

To center align your text, execute the following:

1. Select the text that requires centering.
2. Go to the Layout or Page Layout tab and click the Dialog Box Launcher to access alignment options.
3. In the Vertical Alignment section, select Center.
4. Choose Selected Text under the Apply to box, and click OK to apply changes.

Changing Text Angles

If you need to change the angle of your text in AutoCAD:

1. Navigate to the Drafting tab and open the Dimension panel, then access Dimension Text Edit drop-down and select Angle.
2. Select the dimension whose text angle you wish to change.
3. Input the desired angle value for the text within the dialog box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I align multiple text objects at once in AutoCAD?

Yes, you can select multiple text objects and apply the same alignment settings simultaneously. Just ensure that all objects are selected before making changes.

How can I revert to the default text alignment settings?

You can easily revert to default settings by reopening the Dimension Style Manager, selecting the original dimension style, and clicking the Reset option if available.

Is there a shortcut for text alignment in AutoCAD?

While AutoCAD doesn’t have a single shortcut for text alignment, you can employ the Align command quickly via the command line by typing “ALIGN” and pressing Enter. This facilitates faster alignment of objects and text.