Text

Introduction

This topic will explain the Text function, and the options found in it. This topic will also describe where to find the function, provide quick steps and an example on how to use it, and provide links to related topics.

The Text Function

The Text function is designed to create alpha-numeric characters in the graphics area.

Snap Increment

This function support the use of the snap increment when selecting the location of the entities. The snap increment allows you to get precise results when using mouse selection and helps to reduce data entry modifications.

 

To learn more, view Snap Increment.

To open Text:

 

  • In the Text group, of the Create 2D tab, click Text.

 

The parameters display in the Data Entry Manager.

The Data Entry Parameters

Font

 

  • Font - Select a font type: Windows Font or BobCAD Font.
  • Font List - Click the arrow to select the font from the list.
  • Text box - Type the text that is placed in the graphics area.

 

Base Point

The Start point can be used to set the location of the bottom center of the text. Another method of placement, is the sketch method. By hovering over the text, and clicking once the text is highlighted, you can move the text freely in the graphics area. Click again to place the text. Once placed, the Start Point coordinates can be adjusted to fine tune its placement.

 

  • X - sets the location along the X axis.
  • Y - sets the location along the Y axis.
  • Z - sets the location along the Z axis.

 

Bottom Center - This drop down will allow you to select the region of the text to be used for placement.

Parameters

  • Height - sets the maximum height of the text.
  • Ratio - for BobCAD fonts only, this sets the X:Y size ratio of the text.
  • Angle - type an angle value, from the positive X-axis, at which the text is placed.
  • Slant - for BobCAD fonts only, this adds a slant to each character.
  • Ext. Spacing - defines an extra distance that is added between each character.
  • Vectorize
    • On - With this toggle on, each character is created as multiple entities. The accuracy value becomes available as the text field next to the Vectorize button.
    • Off - With this toggle off, each character is created as a single entity.

Style

  • B - creates the text with bold formatting.
  • I - creates the text with italic formatting.
  • - When multiple lines of text are being created, this option will align the text  to the left.
  • - When multiple lines of text are being created, this option will align the text  to center.
  • - When multiple lines of text are being created, this option will align the text  to the right.

 

  • OK - finalizes the function.
  • Cancel - exits the function.

Quick Steps - Text

  1. Open the function.

  2. Enter text into the text box.

    The text preview appears as text is added.

  3. Alter the font, parameters, and style as needed.

  4. When the text has the desired look, move the text by:

    1. Choose the Base Point region in the drop down list, then either:

      1. Enter the Base Point values manually.

      2. Click on the Base Point Sphere in the graphics area, move text, and click again to set location.

      3. Combination of 1 & 2.

  5. Repeat as necessary.

  6. Click Cancel to exit function.

Example

1) Creating a Point

 

  1. In a new file, click on the Point icon in the Create 2D ribbon.

  2. With the default Creation Option selected, enter the following values in the Coordinate group:

    1. X : 1.0000
    2. Y : 1.0000
    3. Z : 0.0000

  3. Click OK.



    A point is created. While this point is not necessary for text creation, we will use it as a position we wish to move the text to.

 2) Creating the Text

 

  1. Click on the Text icon in the Create 2D ribbon.

    The Data Entry Manager is populated with fields for user input.

  2. In the Data Entry Manager:

    1. With the Windows font highlighted, select Times New Roman in the Font field.
    2. In the Text field, type in "BobCAD-CAM".



The preview updates as the text is typed out.

    1. Input 0.375 for the Text Height.



    1. In Extra Spacing input 0.125.



  1. Hover over the sphere at the bottom center of the text.



    Notice the text highlights when the you move your mouse over it.

  2. Click the sphere.



    Notice the sphere disappears, and the text is no longer highlighted when you click it. The text is now free to be moved manually.

  3. Move your pointer to the point we created earlier.

    With the point highlighted, click it.



    The text is locked to the location we have just clicked.

 

Note: Although we could have just entered this location rather than using a point, this is to demonstrate if there was an entity, whose location we were not familiar with which we needed to snap the text to, we could.

 

  1. Move to an ISO 7 view by pressing Ctrl+7 on your keyboard.



  2. In the Base Point group of the Data Entry Manager, click the down arrow for Bottom Center, and select Bottom Left.



    Notice the text is shifted so that the Base Point now represents the bottom left of the text instead of the bottom center of the text.

  3. In the Data Entry Manager, enter 1.0000 into the Z text field, and press Enter.



    The text is moved in Z.

  4. Click OK.



    The text is created, and the Base Point values are reset. The preview shows the default position.

  5. To end this function, click Cancel in the Data Entry Manager.



That concludes this example.

Related Topics

The CAD Overview