How Do You Make a Plus or Minus Symbol in AutoCAD?

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In AutoCAD, you can easily create a plus or minus symbol to represent positive or negative values. Whether you need to indicate measurements, quantities, or any other numerical values, incorporating these symbols can enhance the clarity and readability of your drawings. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to make a plus or minus symbol in AutoCAD.

Method 1: Using the Character Map

One way to create a plus or minus symbol is by utilizing the Character Map tool available in Windows operating systems:

  1. Open the Character Map tool by clicking on the “Start” menu and typing “Character Map” in the search bar. Press “Enter” to launch the tool.
  2. In the Character Map window, select a suitable font that includes the plus or minus symbol. For example, Arial or Times New Roman.
  3. Scroll through the character list until you find the plus (+) or minus (-) symbol.
  4. Click on the desired symbol to select it and then click on the “Copy” button.
  5. In AutoCAD, paste the copied symbol using either right-click > Paste or by pressing “Ctrl + V”.

By following these steps, you can easily insert a plus or minus symbol into your AutoCAD drawing using the Character Map tool.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts for efficiency, AutoCAD provides a convenient way to type special characters:

  1. In AutoCAD’s command line or text editor, type %%c (for plus) or %%u (for minus).
  2. Press the “Enter” key, and AutoCAD will automatically replace the code with the corresponding symbol.

This method is quick and handy, allowing you to insert plus or minus symbols without leaving the AutoCAD interface.

Method 3: Using Unicode

Another approach to creating plus or minus symbols is by utilizing their Unicode values:

  1. In AutoCAD’s command line or text editor, type the Unicode value for the desired symbol. For example, type %%U+002B for plus (+) or %%U+2212 for minus (-).
  2. Press the “Enter” key, and AutoCAD will display the corresponding symbol.

This method provides flexibility as it allows you to insert various symbols based on their unique Unicode values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AutoCAD offers multiple methods to create plus or minus symbols within your drawings. Whether you prefer using the Character Map tool, keyboard shortcuts, or Unicode values, incorporating these symbols can enhance your drawings’ clarity and professionalism. Choose the method that suits your workflow and start adding plus and minus symbols effortlessly in AutoCAD!