How Do I Type Special Characters in AutoCAD?

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AutoCAD is a powerful software used extensively in the field of architecture, engineering, and construction. It offers a wide range of features and tools to create precise drawings and designs.

However, when working with AutoCAD, you may often come across the need to type special characters that are not readily available on your keyboard. In this article, we will explore different methods to type special characters in AutoCAD.

Method 1: Using the Character Map

If you are using Windows operating system, you can take advantage of the Character Map utility to insert special characters into your AutoCAD drawings. Here’s how:

  1. Step 1: Open the Character Map utility by clicking on the Start menu and searching for “Character Map”.
  2. Step 2: In the Character Map window, select the desired font from the drop-down menu.
  3. Step 3: Scroll through the available characters or use the search bar to find the specific character you need.
  4. Step 4: Click on the desired character to select it.
  5. Step 5: Click on the “Copy” button to copy the character to your clipboard.
  6. Step 6: Switch back to AutoCAD and paste the character using either Ctrl+V or right-clicking and selecting “Paste”.

Method 2: Using ASCII Codes

If you prefer using ASCII codes to insert special characters in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Step 1: Open AutoCAD and activate the text command by typing “text” or “mtext” in the command line.
  2. Step 2: In the text editor, position the cursor at the desired location where you want to insert the special character.
  3. Step 3: Press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard.
  4. Step 4: While holding the Alt key, type the ASCII code for the special character using the numeric keypad on your keyboard.
  5. Step 5: Release the Alt key to insert the special character into your drawing.

Method 3: Using AutoCAD’s Symbol Library

If you frequently use specific symbols in your AutoCAD drawings, you can take advantage of AutoCAD’s symbol library. Here’s how:

  1. Step 1: Open AutoCAD and activate the text command by typing “text” or “mtext” in the command line.
  2. Step 2: In the text editor, position the cursor at the desired location where you want to insert a symbol.
  3. Step 3: Right-click and select “Symbol” from the context menu.
  4. Step 4: In the Symbol dialog box, browse through different categories or use the search bar to find a specific symbol.
  5. Step 5: Select the desired symbol and click on “Insert”.

In conclusion, typing special characters in AutoCAD can be achieved through various methods such as using Character Map utility, ASCII codes, or AutoCAD’s symbol library. These methods provide flexibility and convenience when working on your drawings. Incorporate these techniques into your workflow to enhance the accuracy and visual appeal of your AutoCAD designs.