How to Add Multiline Text in AutoCAD Quickly and Easily

To add multiline text in AutoCAD, use the MTEXT command. This opens a text editor where you can type multiple lines, format text, and adjust alignment before placing it in your drawing.

Syntax

The basic syntax to add multiline text in AutoCAD is using the MTEXT command. After typing MTEXT in the command line, you specify the text box area by clicking two points in the drawing. Then, a text editor window opens where you can enter and format multiple lines of text.

• MTEXT: Command to start multiline text input.
• First corner: Click to set the starting corner of the text box.
• Opposite corner: Click to set the opposite corner, defining the width of the text box.
• Text editor: Type and format your multiline text here.

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MTEXT
Specify first corner of text box or [Justify/Style]: (click point)
Specify opposite corner: (click point)
Type your multiline text in the editor window
Click outside or press Ctrl+Enter to finish

Output

A multiline text box appears in the drawing with your entered text formatted as typed.

Example

This example shows how to add a multiline note in AutoCAD using the MTEXT command. You create a text box and type multiple lines, pressing Enter to start new lines.

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Command: MTEXT
Specify first corner of text box or [Justify/Style]: 10,10
Specify opposite corner: 100,50
Type text:
Project Start Date:
- January 1, 2024
Project Manager:
- Alex Smith
Press Ctrl+Enter to finish

Output

A text box appears at coordinates (10,10) to (100,50) with the multiline text:
Project Start Date:
- January 1, 2024
Project Manager:
- Alex Smith

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when adding multiline text in AutoCAD include:

• Using the TEXT command instead of MTEXT, which only allows single-line text.
• Not specifying the text box size properly, causing text to overflow or be clipped.
• Pressing Enter in the command line instead of inside the text editor, which ends the command prematurely.
• Forgetting to finish the text input by clicking outside or pressing Ctrl+Enter.

Always use MTEXT for multiline text and ensure you complete the text input properly.

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Wrong way:
Command: TEXT
Specify start point of text or [Justify]: 10,10
Specify height: 5
Specify rotation angle of text: 0
Enter text: Line 1
Enter text: Line 2 (this creates separate single lines, not multiline)

Right way:
Command: MTEXT
Specify first corner: 10,10
Specify opposite corner: 100,50
Type multiline text in editor
Press Ctrl+Enter to finish

Quick Reference

Here is a quick cheat-sheet for adding multiline text in AutoCAD:

Step	Action
1	Type MTEXT in the command line and press Enter.
2	Click to specify the first corner of the text box.
3	Click to specify the opposite corner (width of text box).
4	Type your multiline text in the editor window.
5	Press Ctrl+Enter or click outside to finish.
Tip	Use MTEXT for multiline text, not TEXT.

Key Takeaways

Use the MTEXT command to create multiline text in AutoCAD.

Specify two corners to define the text box size before typing.

Press Ctrl+Enter or click outside the editor to finish text input.

Avoid using the TEXT command for multiline text as it only supports single lines.

Properly size the text box to prevent text clipping or overflow.