How Do I Make Text Hollow in AutoCAD?

by

Do you want to make your text stand out in AutoCAD? One way to do this is by making your text hollow.

By hollowing out the text, you can create a unique and eye-catching effect that can enhance your designs. In this tutorial, we will explore how to make text hollow in AutoCAD using simple steps.

Step 1: Create Text

The first step is to create the text that you want to make hollow. To do this, follow these simple instructions:

  1. Open AutoCAD: Launch the AutoCAD software on your computer.
  2. Select Text Tool: From the toolbar, select the “Text” tool or type “text” in the command line and press Enter.
  3. Type Your Text: Click on the drawing area and enter the desired text in the dialog box that appears.
  4. Specify Text Height: Specify the height of your text by entering a value or selecting from the options provided.
  5. Position Your Text: Click on the desired location in the drawing area to position your text.

Step 2: Convert Text to Polylines

To make your text hollow, you need to convert it into polylines. Follow these steps:

  1. Select Text: Use the selection tool to select the text that you want to make hollow.
  2. Type ‘Explode’: Type “explode” in the command line and press Enter. This will convert your selected text into individual letters.

Step 3: Apply Hollow Effect

Now that you have converted your text into polylines, you can apply the hollow effect. Follow these steps:

  1. Select Polylines: Use the selection tool to select all the polylines that represent your text.
  2. Type ‘Region’: Type “region” in the command line and press Enter. AutoCAD will create regions from the selected polylines.
  3. Type ‘Extrude’: Type “extrude” in the command line and press Enter.

    This will open the extrude options dialog box.

  4. Select ‘Surface’ or ‘Solid’: Choose whether you want to create a surface or a solid from your hollow text. Select the appropriate option in the dialog box.
  5. Specify Extrusion Height: Enter a value for the extrusion height or specify a reference point to define it visually.
  6. Press Enter: Press Enter to apply the extrusion and create your hollow text.

Step 4: Customize Hollow Text

You can further customize your hollow text by adjusting its appearance and properties. Here are some options you can explore:

  • Edit Extrusion Height: Double-click on the hollow text to enter editing mode. Modify the extrusion height by selecting and dragging its grips.
  • Add Material: Apply different materials to your hollow text to change its appearance. Use the “Materials” panel in AutoCAD to select and assign materials.

Note:

Making text hollow in AutoCAD is a non-destructive process, meaning you can still edit the text and its properties even after applying the extrusion. However, remember that once you explode the text and convert it to polylines, you will lose the ability to edit the text content itself.

Now that you know how to make text hollow in AutoCAD, go ahead and try it out on your own designs. Experiment with different fonts, sizes, and effects to create captivating visuals. Hollow text can be a powerful tool in your design arsenal, allowing you to create attention-grabbing elements that stand out from the rest.