Why Can’t I Change the Text Size in AutoCAD?

Have you ever encountered the frustrating situation where you can’t seem to change the text size in AutoCAD? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This issue can be quite perplexing, but fear not, as this article aims to shed some light on why this problem occurs and how you can overcome it.

The Problem

Before diving into the solution, let’s first understand why this issue arises in the first place. In AutoCAD, text size is controlled by a system variable called “TEXTSIZE.”

This variable determines the default size of all new text objects created within the software. However, there are instances where changing the value of TEXTSIZE doesn’t seem to have any effect on the actual text size displayed on your screen.

The Cause

One common reason for this problem is that the text you’re trying to modify might be part of a block or external reference (Xref). When you insert a block or Xref into your drawing, it retains its original properties, including its text size. Therefore, changing the TEXTSIZE variable won’t affect these pre-existing objects.

Another cause could be that your text style overrides the TEXTSIZE variable. Text styles define various properties of text objects, such as font, height, and width factor. If your current text style has an explicitly defined height that differs from the TEXTSIZE value, it will take precedence over the system variable.

The Solution

To tackle this issue effectively, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify if your text is part of a block or Xref. If so, explode or detach it from these entities.
  • Step 2: Check your current text style by opening the Text Style Manager. Ensure that its height matches the desired text size.

    If it doesn’t, modify the height value accordingly.

  • Step 3: If your text style is correct, but you’re still unable to change the text size, it’s possible that the individual text objects have an explicit height override. Select the text objects and look for any manual height modification in the properties palette. Reset these overrides to “0” to allow the text style’s height to take effect.
  • Step 4: Finally, if all else fails, consider recreating your text objects using the correct text style and desired size.

By following these steps systematically, you should be able to regain control over your text sizes in AutoCAD.

In Conclusion

The inability to change text size in AutoCAD can be frustrating but understanding its causes and implementing the appropriate solutions can save you time and effort. Remember to check for blocks or Xrefs, verify your current text style settings, and watch out for any individual overrides.

Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, go ahead and confidently tackle any issues related to changing text size in AutoCAD!