Part 5
Module 25: Text – Part 2
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this module, you will be able to:
- Describe a mtext object and explain how to create, edit and explode mtext.
- Apply the MTEXT, QTEXT, and SPELL commands.
- Describe and compare shape and true type text fonts and their characteristics.
- Describe special text characters and the use of control codes.
Multiline Text
Unlike single line text, that was taught Module 19, multiline text, also called mtext, is a text object that can contain one or more lines of text. AutoCAD contains an editor that inserts and edits mtext similar to a word processor. Mtext uses the current text style for its properties, just like single line text, but it allows the font color and appearance of the text, with the same style, to be changed. This cannot be done with single line text.
Mtext can be exploded using the EXPLODE command. When exploded, it is converted into single line text objects and loses all of its mtext properties except the color, height, and text style.
AutoCAD Command: MTEXT
The MTEXT command is used to insert one or more lines of multiline text objects. Each mtext is a single drawing object.
Shortcut: MT
WORKALONG: Using the MTEXT Command
Step 1
Start a new drawing using the template: 2D Layout English.
Step 2
Save and name the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Workalong 25-1.
Step 3
Create a new text style naming it: Module 25 and assign the font: romans.shx. Set Standard as the current text style.
Step 4
Enable layout: Module Layout A.
Step 5
Set layer: Text as the current layer and while in paper space, enter the MTEXT command as shown below. (Figure Step 5)
Command: MTEXT
Current text style: “Standard” Text height: 0.2000
Specify first corner:
Specify opposite corner or [Height/Justify/Line spacing/Rotation/Style/Width]:
(Select two corners to form a window as shown in the figure. The size and location are not that important but try to match the figure the best you can.)
Step 6
The MTEXT command will open the Text Formatting dialogue box. It works similar to a simple word processor. (Figure Step 6)
Step 7
Set layer: Text as the current layer. Set the text style to: Module 25, the text height to 0.4 and the color to Red as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 7)
Step 8
In the bounding box, enter the text shown below. Use uppercase letters. Do not press the Enter key at the end of the line, just keep typing. Do not correct the spelling errors in the text, type it as shown. (Figure Step 8)
THIS IS MTEXT. IT IS ONE OBJICT. IF EXPLODED, IT IS CONVERTED TO SINLE LINE TEXT.
Step 9
Click OK after you have entered all the text. (Figure step 9)
Step 10
Enter the MTEXT command as shown below. (Figure Step 10)
Command: MTEXT
Current text style: “Module 25” Text height: 0.4000
Specify first corner:
Specify opposite corner or [Height/Justify/Line spacing/Rotation/Style/Width]:
(Select two corners to form a window. The size and location are not that important but try to match the figure the best you can.)
Co