Understanding Text Editing in DraftSight
Editing text within DraftSight includes several functionalities, enabling users to make precise changes to dimensions, blocks, tables, and even basic text elements. This guide will take you through detailed steps to effectively edit text in various contexts within DraftSight.
Changing Dimension Text
If you need to modify the dimension text, follow these steps:
1. Initiate the process by typing `ReplaceDimensionText` into the command prompt and pressing Enter.
2. When prompted, enter the new text for your dimension. You can either type a specific text or use the placeholders such as `<>` to represent automatically generated measurements.
3. Once you’ve set the text, click on the dimensions you want to change in the graphics workspace. After selecting the required dimensions, press the Enter key to finalize the changes. The dimensions will now reflect the new text.
Adding Custom Text in DraftSight
To include new text in your drawing, use one of the following methods:
1. **Text Import**: You can import text from an ASCII file. This is useful for inserting prepared text content efficiently.
2. **Combine Paragraphs**: If you have multiple text elements, you can combine them into a single paragraph for a cleaner appearance.
3. **Remove Formatting**: When pasting text, you may want to clear any original formatting. This can be done by selecting the “Remove Formatting” option.
4. **Paste Special**: Use the paste special function to customize the way text is inserted, allowing for more control over formatting.
Editing Block Attributes
To modify the attributes of a block, follow these steps:
1. Begin by typing `EditBlockAttribute` into the command prompt and selecting the block reference within the graphic area.
2. A dialog box will appear, allowing you to choose an item to edit under the Value section. Note that attributes cannot be changed if they are located on locked layers.
3. Update the desired attribute value as required.
4. If there are additional attributes to edit, repeat the update step for each one.
5. When all changes are finished, click the OK button to apply them.
Modifying Tables
If your drawing contains tables that require text adjustments, consider these steps:
1. Select the specific cell in the table whose text you wish to edit.
2. For a detailed editing interface, access the Note Formatting toolbar which allows for styling and formatting text.
3. To clear an entire table of its content, utilize the “Delete All Contents” option effectively.
4. You can also adjust table properties such as borders, cell sizes, and styles through the Properties panel.
Measuring Distances
While this isn’t directly editing text, measuring distances often requires you to label or note these measurements accurately:
1. Click on the menu and choose Tools -> Inquiry -> Get Distance; alternatively, you can type `GetDistance` in the command line.
2. Select the two points within the graphics area between which you need to measure. The system will output several values, such as Distance, Angle in XY Plane, and changes in coordinates, which you may wish to document in your drawings.
Converting Text to Lines
If your aim is to transform text into graphical elements, follow these instructions:
1. Navigate to the Express Tools tab in the interface.
2. Locate the Modify Text options, and from the dropdown, select “Explode Text”.
3. Highlight the text that you want to convert into vector lines.
4. Press the Enter key to complete the conversion. Your text should now be transformed into polylines.
Creating Blocks
To encapsulate common text or graphic elements within blocks, do the following:
1. Click on Draw -> Block -> Define or simply type `MakeBlock`.
2. Fill in the dialog box that appears, assigning a name to your block or selecting an existing one to overwrite.
3. Optionally, provide a description to give context about the block’s purpose.
4. Within the block settings, select various options that best suit your needs, such as opening in Block Editor for custom adjustments.
Exploding Blocks
To break down a block into its component parts:
1. Navigate to Modify -> Explode or enter `Explode` via the command line.
2. Select the block you want to disassemble within the workspace, then hit the Enter key.
3. The selected block will be exploded, allowing individual elements to be modified.
FAQs
**What should I do if my dimensions are locked and I can’t change the text?**
If you encounter locked dimensions, check the properties of the layer they are on. Unlock the layer or adjust the permission settings before attempting to edit the dimension text.
**Can I import multiple lines of text at once?**
Yes, you can import text from an ASCII file, which allows you to include several lines of text in one go, making the process much quicker.
**Is there a way to restore deleted text or dimensions in DraftSight?**
You can use the undo feature to revert your last actions. For more extensive recovery, check your backup files if they are enabled in your settings.
