Guide

AutoCAD Mtext (Multiline Text) : An object that contains text on more than one line

Multiline text (Mtext) is the primary AutoCAD object for adding rich, multi-line annotations to drawings. This guide explains what Mtext is, why and when to use it, step‑by‑step creation and editing procedures, alternative methods, common errors and fixes, practical tips, and an FAQ to answer likely reader questions.

What is Mtext (Multiline Text)?

Mtext (Multiline Text) is an AutoCAD object that contains text on multiple lines and supports paragraph-level formatting (fonts, sizes, alignment, bullets, columns, background masks, and fields). Unlike single-line text (TEXT/DTEXT), Mtext is designed for longer notes, annotations, schedules and any content that needs richer formatting.

Purpose and main advantages

  • Rich formatting: Apply different fonts, sizes, bold/italic, bullets, numbered lists, and paragraph alignment inside the same object.
  • Automatic word wrap: Text wraps within a user-defined text box width.
  • Fields & automatic content: Insert dynamic fields (dates, sheet numbers, object properties) that update automatically.
  • Columns and background masks: Create multi-column notes or use a mask to improve readability over drawings.
  • Annotative support: Make text scale automatically across viewports with annotative styles.
  • Easy editing: Double-click to open the Mtext editor and format text with a ribbon-style toolbar.

When, why and how to use Mtext

When to use Mtext

  • For paragraphs, specifications, and descriptions longer than one line.
  • For title blocks, notes, legends, and schedules requiring formatted text or fields.
  • When you need consistent styles across a drawing or set of drawings using Text Styles.

Why choose Mtext over single-line text

  • Single-line text is useful for labels and short notes; Mtext is superior for structured, multi-line content and more advanced formatting requirements.

How to create Mtext — step by step

  1. Activate the command: type MTEXT then press Enter (or use the Annotate ribbon → Text → Multiline Text).
  2. Click and drag to draw the text box where you want the paragraph to appear. The box width determines word-wrapping.
  3. Type your text inside the Mtext editor that opens. Use the editor toolbar to set font, height, alignment, bullets, columns, and other formatting.
  4. Click outside the editor or press Ctrl+Enter (or the close button) to apply and exit.

Important Mtext editor options

  • Text Style: Choose a named text style to ensure consistent font and height.
  • Annotative: Toggle Annotative to make the Mtext scale properly across viewports.
  • Columns: Use the Columns button to split text into multiple columns with adjustable spacing.
  • Background Mask: Enable to place an opaque background behind the text for legibility.
  • Fields: Insert dynamic values (Object, Sheet Set, Date, Area, etc.).

How and when to edit Mtext

Quick editing methods

  • Double-click the Mtext object to open the editor.
  • Select the Mtext and press Ctrl+1 to open the Properties palette where you can change style, height, rotation, and contents.
  • Right‑click and choose Edit Text (context menu) to open the Mtext editor.

Advanced edits

  • Use the Mtext editor toolbar to apply character and paragraph formatting, insert special characters, fields, or create tables inside Mtext.
  • For string replacements or batch edits, use the Find and Replace function (CTRL+F inside the editor, or use the global Find & Replace tools).

Editing across multiple objects

  • To update many Mtext objects consistently, edit the Text Style (format → text style) so all Mtext using that style change automatically.

Alternative methods and related commands

  • Single-line text: use TEXT or DTEXT for short labels.
  • Convert single-line text to Mtext: use TXT2MTXT to combine multiple TEXT objects into a single Mtext.
  • Convert Mtext to single-line text: depending on your AutoCAD version, use the Express Tool TXTEXP or EXPLODE (caution — behavior varies; check your version).
  • MLeaders: use MLeader for leadered annotations with multi-line content. MLeaders can host Mtext as the content.
  • Tables: for structured data (schedules or repeated properties), use TABLE rather than Mtext for better alignment and calculation support.

Common errors and fixes

  • Text not visible:

    • Cause: Layer is off/frozen or text color set to background.
    • Fix: Turn layer on/thaw, check draw order, and verify text color and layer visibility.

  • Text appears too small/large in layout or paper space:

    • Cause: Not using Annotative property or wrong text height vs viewport scale.
    • Fix: Enable Annotative for the text style or set proper text height and viewport scale.

  • Mtext width collapses or text doesn’t wrap:

    • Cause: Width set to zero (no bounding box) or editor wrapping disabled.
    • Fix: Edit Mtext and drag grips to set width, or set the width value in the Properties palette.

  • Formatting changes unexpectedly when copying between drawings:

    • Cause: Missing Text Styles or fonts in the destination drawing.
    • Fix: Import text styles or fonts (use STYLE command to recreate), or use the same template.

  • Fields not updating:

    • Cause: Automatic update disabled or the field references are broken.
    • Fix: Use UPDATEFIELD or regen the drawing (REGEN), and ensure referenced objects still exist.

  • Cannot edit Mtext content:

    • Cause: Mtext locked or protected; or drawing in viewport locked state.
    • Fix: Check object lock properties, unlock the viewport, or check if the object is on a locked layer.

  • Corrupted Mtext after copy/paste:

    • Fix: Use PURGE and AUDIT to clean the drawing. If corruption persists, recreate the Mtext.

Practical tips to improve productivity

  • Create and use named Text Styles for consistent control of font and default height.
  • Make frequently used Mtext styles Annotative for multi-view scaling.
  • Use Fields (Date, Filename, Sheet Number) to avoid manual updates.
  • Put long notes in a separate layer (e.g., “Notes”) so you can toggle visibility easily.
  • Use Find and Replace to update text strings across a drawing.
  • For repeated notes, consider using Blocks containing Mtext so edits propagate via block updates.
  • Avoid mixing too many fonts; stick to standard fonts supported across systems and by plotting.
  • Use background mask sparingly to maintain clarity without hiding important drawing detail.

FAQ

What is the difference between TEXT (single-line) and MTEXT (multiline)?

Single-line TEXT (sometimes DTEXT) is best for short labels and single lines. MTEXT supports multiple paragraphs, richer formatting, columns, bullets and fields—ideal for notes, legends and title blocks.

How do I convert several single-line texts into one Mtext object?

Use the TXT2MTXT command: select the single-line text objects and follow the prompts to merge them into one Mtext with preserved order and formatting.

Why does my Mtext look different after opening the drawing on another computer?

Likely because the text style or font used by the Mtext is missing on the other computer. Install the same fonts or update the Text Style to use an available font.

How do I make Mtext scale correctly in both model and paper space?

Make the Mtext Annotative and assign the appropriate annotative scales. This ensures the text displays at the correct size in different viewports without manually changing text height.

Can I use automatic values like sheet numbers or object properties inside Mtext?

Yes. Use the Fields feature inside the Mtext editor to insert dynamic content such as Date, Filename, Area, or custom object properties. Fields update automatically when the referenced value changes.

Why can’t I edit some Mtext objects?

Check if the object is on a locked layer, if the viewport is locked, or if the object has been set to a read-only state. Also verify you have sufficient permissions for the file.

How to maintain consistent formatting across multiple drawings?

Create or use a standard template (.dwt) with predefined Text Styles, layers, and annotative settings. Import styles via the DesignCenter or -INSERT block method if needed.

Is it better to use Mtext or Table for schedule-like data?

Use TABLE for tabular data (schedules, BOMs) because it offers column alignment, formulas, and easier editing of cells. Use MTEXT for narrative or formatted notes within a table cell if necessary.

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