How to Add Leader in AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

To add a leader in AutoCAD, use the LEADER command by typing it in the command line, then click points to place the leader line and add annotation text. You can customize the leader style and arrowhead in the Multileader Style Manager for better presentation.

Syntax

The basic syntax to add a leader in AutoCAD is using the LEADER command. You start the command, specify the leader's start point, then click to add vertices for the leader line, and finally enter the annotation text.

• LEADER: Starts the leader creation.
• Click points: Define the leader line path.
• Text input: Add annotation at the leader's end.

autocad command line

Command: LEADER
Specify leader start point or [Arrowhead/Annotate/Close/Options]: (click point)
Specify next point or [Undo]: (click points or press Enter to finish)
Enter annotation text:

Output

A leader line appears with an arrowhead pointing to the start point and annotation text at the end.

Example

This example shows how to add a simple leader pointing to a feature with text annotation.

autocad command line

Command: LEADER
Specify leader start point or [Arrowhead/Annotate/Close/Options]: 100,100
Specify next point or [Undo]: 120,120
Specify next point or [Undo]: (press Enter)
Enter annotation text: Check this detail

Output

A leader line with an arrowhead starts at coordinates (100,100), bends at (120,120), and ends with the text 'Check this detail'.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when adding leaders include:

• Not clicking enough points to define the leader path clearly.
• Forgetting to press Enter to finish the leader line before typing text.
• Using default styles that may not fit the drawing scale or standards.
• Confusing LEADER with MLEADER, which offers more formatting options.

Always check your leader style settings in the Multileader Style Manager for consistent appearance.

Quick Reference

Here is a quick cheat sheet for adding leaders in AutoCAD:

Step	Action	Description
1	Type LEADER	Start the leader command in the command line.
2	Click start point	Choose where the arrowhead points.
3	Click next points	Define bends or direction of the leader line.
4	Press Enter	Finish leader line input.
5	Type annotation text	Add descriptive text at the leader end.
6	Adjust style	Use Multileader Style Manager to customize appearance.

Key Takeaways

Use the LEADER command to add annotation leaders quickly in AutoCAD.

Click points carefully to define the leader path before entering text.

Press Enter to finish the leader line input before typing annotation.

Customize leader styles in the Multileader Style Manager for consistent drawings.

MLEADER command offers more advanced leader formatting options.