Commands

ARCTEXT command in AutoCAD : Places text along an arc

Introduction

If you need to place text that follows a curved path in AutoCAD, the ARCTEXT command is the simplest built-in solution when available. This guide explains what the ARCTEXT command does, how to use it step‑by‑step, what each option means, why it may fail, practical alternatives, and troubleshooting tips — all written for beginners and optimized for easy discovery by search engines.

What is the ARCTEXT command?

ARCTEXT (an Express Tools command) places text along an arc so the letters follow the curve instead of appearing straight. It lets you control whether text sits above or below the arc, the spacing, the direction, and whether the text is fitted to the arc length.

This command is particularly useful for mechanical labels, title blocks, logos, round stamps, and any annotation that must follow a circular or curved geometry.

When to use ARCTEXT

Use ARCTEXT when you want:

  • Text to physically follow a circular arc or circle segment.
  • A quick, editable curved text without converting text to geometry.
  • Control of orientation (inside/outside, flipped, rotated) and spacing.

Note: ARCTEXT is part of AutoCAD Express Tools. If Express Tools are not installed or loaded, the command will not be available.

Requirements and supported objects

  • Express Tools must be installed and loaded.
  • The path must be an actual arc, circle, or an arc segment of a polyline.
  • The text object can be single-line TEXT and in many versions MTEXT is supported; behavior varies by AutoCAD release — if selection fails, convert MText to single-line or use an alternate method.
  • The command works with standard text styles and annotative text but check how scaling interacts with the arc.
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How to use ARCTEXT — Step by step

  1. Prepare your arc:

    • Draw or select an existing arc or circle that will define the text path.
    • Ensure the arc is the correct radius and length for your planned text.

  2. Start the command:

    • Type ARCTEXT in the command line and press Enter.
    • Or open Express Tools > Text > ArcText (menu location depends on your UI).

  3. Select the text to place on the arc:

    • Click an existing single-line text (or MText, depending on your version).
    • If you don’t have text yet, create single-line text first (TEXT command) and then run ARCTEXT.

  4. Select the arc:

    • Click the arc or circle that the text should follow.

  5. Configure options in the text on arc dialog (or dynamic prompts):

    • Position: choose Above or Below the arc.
    • Fit/Spacing:
      • Fit option stretches or compresses the text to match the arc length.
      • Percent or Spacing controls letter spacing if not fitted.
    • Radius: offset distance from the arc to the baseline of text (positive/negative depending on above/below).
    • Reverse or Flip: change text direction along the arc.
    • Rotate text: align characters to follow arc tangents (on/off).
    • Preview: use the preview to verify before accepting.

  6. Accept changes:

    • Click OK (or press Enter) to apply curved text.
    • The text remains editable as text (not exploded geometry), so you can re-run ARCTEXT to adjust parameters.

  7. Edit later:

    • Select the curved text and run ARCTEXT again to modify settings.
    • You can also edit the source text normally (double-click if MText or use DDEDIT for single-line text), then reapply ARCTEXT.

Explanation of key options

  • Above / Below: Places text on the outside or inside of the arc.
  • Radius: Distance from the arc; increase to move text away from the curve.
  • Fit: Forces text to occupy the selected arc length — good for centered logos or stamps.
  • Rotate: If ON, each character rotates to be tangent to the arc (more natural on tight curves).
  • Flip/Reverse: Changes reading direction (useful if text appears upside‑down).
  • Spacing / Percent: Adjusts inter-character spacing without distorting glyph shapes.
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Common reasons ARCTEXT doesn’t work — and fixes

  • ARCTEXT command not found

    • Fix: Install or load Express Tools. In many installs, run the Express Tools installer or load the Express Tools menu. In some cases restart AutoCAD after installation.
    • Tip: Try typing _ARCTEXT with the underscore to force a command from AutoCAD’s command line.

  • Arc not accepted or selection fails

    • Fix: Ensure the path is a true ARC or CIRCLE or an arc segment of a polyline. Convert splines/complex polylines into arcs or draw a proper arc using the ARC command.

  • Text disappears, overlaps, or is illegible

    • Fix: Use the Fit option or reduce Font size. Increase arc radius or adjust spacing/percent.
    • Fix: If text is upside-down, use Flip or change Reverse direction.

  • ARCTEXT works but text is not editable as text later

    • Explanation: Some workflows convert text to geometry (explode); avoid exploding if you need to edit text. If you must convert, keep a backup of the original text object.

  • Version differences (MTEXT not supported)

    • Fix: Convert MText to single-line TEXT (use TEXT, or copy text into a new TEXT object). Alternatively, search for ARCTEXT updates or plugins for your AutoCAD version.

Alternatives to ARCTEXT

  • Use a third‑party LISP or plugin:

    • There are many free LISP routines named “TextOnArc” / “Curvetext” that replicate and extend ARCTEXT functionality and can support more path types.

  • Manual method (character-by-character placement):

    • Convert text to individual characters and rotate/place each on the arc using grips or the ALIGN/ROTATE commands. This is time-consuming but gives total control.

  • Convert text to geometry and warp (not recommended for editable text):

    • Use TXTEXP (Express Tools) to convert text to polylines, then move and rotate characters manually along an arc. Use only if final output must be curves.

  • Use other CAD products or features:

    • Some AutoCAD verticals (Civil 3D, Architecture) or plugins include native “Text on Curve” tools that may integrate better with annotative scaling.
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Practical tips and best practices

  • Work in a dedicated layer for curved text so you can hide or lock it easily.
  • Keep a backup of original text (copy before running ARCTEXT) if you might need to re-edit content.
  • Use annotative text styles if drawings will be printed or viewed at multiple scales.
  • Test the command on a sample arc to learn how Radius, Fit, and Rotate interact.
  • When plotting to vector formats (PDF, DWGx), check that curved text renders correctly — convert to geometry only if necessary.
  • Use a consistent Text style for readability; very decorative fonts may not curve well at small sizes.

FAQ

What versions of AutoCAD include ARCTEXT?

ARCTEXT is part of Express Tools, which is included with many AutoCAD installations but may require separate installation or enabling. If you don’t see it, check your AutoCAD installation options or Autodesk account downloads for Express Tools.

Can I use ARCTEXT with MTEXT or only with single-line TEXT?

Support varies by AutoCAD version. Many versions accept single-line TEXT reliably. Newer versions often accept MTEXT, but if selection fails, convert your content to single-line TEXT or use a third-party routine that supports MTEXT.

How do I make curved text annotative (scale with viewport)?

Create or modify a text style that is annotative, then create the source text with that style before running ARCTEXT. Verify in different viewports to ensure the size remains appropriate.

Why does my curved text look mirrored or upside‑down?

Use the Flip or Reverse option in the ARCTEXT dialog, or rerun the command and choose the opposite Position (Above/Below) and direction settings.

Can I edit the curved text later?

Yes — the text remains editable. Edit the text content normally (double-click MText or use DDEDIT for TEXT), then re-run ARCTEXT to adjust placement or reapply settings as needed.

My company doesn’t allow Express Tools — what then?

Use a LISP routine or a plugin with similar functionality, or place text manually using character alignment. Ask your CAD manager about approved add-ins that offer curved text.

Will curved text print correctly on all printers and PDFs?

Generally yes, but for guaranteed results convert to geometry if the output device or viewer has font substitution issues. Keep an editable copy before converting.

Provide this guide in your bookmarks so you can reference step steps, troubleshooting options, and alternatives when you need to place text along an arc in your next AutoCAD drawing.

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