Fit Text to a Curve

Introduction

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

The Fit Text to a Curve Function

The Fit Text to a Curve function is used to move existing text to a defined position along a selected curve. To perform the function, you define the parameters, select the text to move, and then select the curve (and define the curve direction).

Important: Text that is created as vectorized text, or exploded after creation, cannot be selected for Fit Text to a Curve.

Note: Text is always fit to the left side of the chain.

Note: The curve used must be large enough to accommodate the length of the text. If the curve is too small an error message will appear informing you of this.

To open Fit Text to a Curve:

In the Text group, of the Create 2D tab, click the down arrow under Text, and select Fit Text to a Curve.

The parameters display in the Data Entry Manager.

The Data Entry Parameters

Preview - Select the check box to enable the CAD preview, which displays what the result will be before you create it. Once all geometry is selected, the preview is shown.
Preview - Clear the check box to turn off the CAD preview.

Text Entity

(Delete) - Removes the selected entity from the list.

The list box above will show the text entity that has been selected for the function.

Fit Curve

(Delete) - Removes the selected entity from the list.

The list box above will show the curve entity that has been selected for the function.

Alignment to Path

Distance from Path - sets the distance between the text and the curve.
Move Text from Start - adds this distance of empty space before the text.
Start - sets the text to the left side (start) of the selected curve.
Middle - sets the text to the Center (middle) of the selected curve.
End - sets the text to the right side (end) of the selected curve.

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

Quick Steps - Fit Text to a Curve

Open the function.

The Text Entity list automatically has focus.
Click the text to fit to the curve.

The text is added to the Text Entity list.

The Fit Curve list is automatically given focus.
Chain select the curve to fit the text to.

The chain is added to the Fit Curve list.

The preview appears.
Adjust the Alignment to Path options as needed.

The preview updates when changes are made.
With the preview showing the desired result, click OK.
Repeat as necessary.
Click Cancel to close the function.