AutoCAD

How to Insert Degree Symbol in AutoCAD Text?

How to Insert the Degree Symbol in AutoCAD Text

Inserting special characters such as the degree symbol (°) in AutoCAD can enhance your drawings and annotations by providing more clarity. Below are detailed steps to help you seamlessly integrate the degree symbol into your AutoCAD text.

Step 1: Accessing the In-Place Text Editor

  1. Open your drawing: Begin by launching AutoCAD 2025 and opening the drawing where you would like to insert the degree symbol.
  2. Initiate text input: Create a text object by using the TEXT or MTEXT command. Click into the drawing area to start entering your text.
  3. Activate the editor: When you start typing, the In-Place Text Editor will appear, allowing you to edit your text.

Step 2: Inserting the Degree Symbol

  1. Right-click for options: Within the In-Place Text Editor, right-click to reveal a context menu.
  2. Select ‘Symbol’: From the menu, click on Symbol to open a list of special characters and symbols.
  3. Finding the degree symbol: Locate the degree symbol (°) within the list. If you do not see it directly, you may need to navigate through character categories.
  4. Insert the symbol: Click on the degree symbol to insert it at your cursor’s location in the text editor.

Step 3: Alternative Methods to Insert the Degree Symbol

If you prefer to use other methods to input the degree symbol, consider the following options:

  • Using Unicode: If you know the Unicode for the degree symbol, you can type it directly. Use the backslash followed by the code to input the character. For the degree symbol, it would be \00B0. Ensure your text editor is set to accept control codes.

  • Copying from Character Map: Another method is to use the Windows Character Map:
    1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
    2. Type charmap and press Enter to launch the Character Map application.
    3. Browse or search for the degree symbol (°), and select it.
    4. Click Copy, then paste it into your AutoCAD text editor.

Step 4: Verifying Your Entry

Once you have inserted the degree symbol:

  1. Review the text: Make sure the symbol appears as intended in the In-Place Text Editor.
  2. Exit the editor: Click outside the text editor or press Esc to finalize your text input and return to the drawing interface.
  3. Adjust formatting: If needed, you can modify the text formatting further using the formatting tools to ensure consistency within your design.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use keyboard shortcuts to input special characters in AutoCAD?

Yes, you can use keyboard shortcuts to input certain special characters. For instance, the degree symbol can generally be inserted using specific shortcuts depending on your operating system or keyboard settings.

Q2: Is there a way to type the degree symbol without using the mouse?

Absolutely! You can use keyboard shortcuts, such as holding down the Alt key and typing 0176 on the numeric keypad (make sure Num Lock is on) to insert the degree symbol in text.

Q3: What should I do if the degree symbol doesn’t appear correctly in my drawing?

If the degree symbol does not render correctly, check the font you are using. Some fonts may not support certain special characters. Switching to a more universal font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, often resolves display issues.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.