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

To add text in AutoCAD, use the TEXT command for single-line text or the MTEXT command for multi-line text. Type the command, specify the insertion point, and enter your text to place it on your drawing.

Syntax

AutoCAD provides two main commands to add text:

• TEXT: Adds single-line text.
• MTEXT: Adds multi-line text with formatting options.

Basic syntax for TEXT command:

TEXT <insertion_point> <height> <rotation_angle> <text_string>

Basic syntax for MTEXT command:

MTEXT <rectangle_area> <text_content>

Where:

• insertion_point: Coordinates where text starts.
• height: Text height in drawing units.
• rotation_angle: Angle of text orientation.
• rectangle_area: Defines the text box area for multi-line text.

autocad

TEXT 10,10 2 0 "Hello, AutoCAD!"
MTEXT 10,10 50,30 "This is multi-line\ntext in AutoCAD."

Output

Single-line text 'Hello, AutoCAD!' appears at coordinates (10,10) with height 2 and no rotation.
Multi-line text appears inside a box from (10,10) to (50,30) with two lines: 'This is multi-line' and 'text in AutoCAD.'

Example

This example shows how to add a single-line text and a multi-line text in AutoCAD.

autocad

Command: TEXT
Specify start point of text or [Justify]: 5,5
Specify height: 3
Specify rotation angle of text: 0
Enter text: Welcome to AutoCAD

Command: MTEXT
Specify first corner of text box: 10,10
Specify opposite corner: 40,20
Enter text: This is an example\nof multi-line text.

Output

Single-line text 'Welcome to AutoCAD' appears at (5,5) with height 3.
Multi-line text box from (10,10) to (40,20) contains two lines: 'This is an example' and 'of multi-line text.'

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when adding text in AutoCAD include:

• Not specifying the text height, resulting in very small or invisible text.
• Forgetting to set the insertion point correctly, causing text to appear off-screen.
• Using TEXT for long paragraphs instead of MTEXT, which limits formatting.
• Not closing the multi-line text box properly, which can cause text to overlap or truncate.

autocad

Command: TEXT
Specify start point of text or [Justify]: 0,0
Specify height: 0
Specify rotation angle of text: 0
Enter text: Invisible text

-- Correct way --
Command: TEXT
Specify start point of text or [Justify]: 0,0
Specify height: 2
Specify rotation angle of text: 0
Enter text: Visible text

Output

First text is invisible due to zero height.
Second text is visible with height 2.

Quick Reference

Command	Purpose	Key Steps
TEXT	Add single-line text	Specify insertion point, height, rotation, then enter text
MTEXT	Add multi-line text	Define text box corners, then enter formatted text
TEXT Height	Controls text size	Must be > 0 to be visible
Insertion Point	Where text starts	Use coordinates or pick point on drawing

Key Takeaways

Use the TEXT command for simple single-line text and MTEXT for multi-line or formatted text.

Always specify a positive text height to ensure text is visible.

Set the insertion point carefully to place text where you want it on the drawing.

MTEXT allows better control over text formatting and layout than TEXT.

Avoid zero or very small text height to prevent invisible text.