How to write text and change its size in AutoCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

To write text and change its size in AutoCAD, use the TEXT command for single-line text or MTEXT for paragraphs, then set the text height before placing it or adjust it later in the Properties palette. The most common professional method is MTEXT. Limitation: annotative text can display at unexpected sizes if scales are mismanaged.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If your current text style has a fixed height assigned, AutoCAD may not let you enter a new text size during the command. Also, annotative text can appear too large, too small, or invisible in viewports if the annotation scale is wrong.

How to Write Text and Change Its Size in AutoCAD

  • Command: MTEXT

  • Shortcut: MT

  • Quick Steps:

    1. On the Ribbon > Annotate tab > Text panel, click Multiline Text, or type MT and press Enter.
    2. Pick two corner points to create the text box, then type your text in the editor.
    3. Set the text size from the Text Editor contextual tab > Formatting panel > Height, or select the text afterward and change Text height in the Properties palette.

Variables & Settings

  • System Variable: TEXTSIZE (Default: 2.5)

  • Expert Setting: TEXTSIZE controls the default height for newly created non-annotative single-line text and some text entry workflows. It does not override a text style that already has a fixed height, and it does not control annotative display scaling.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The text height is too small or too large relative to the drawing units, so text looks invisible or oversized in model space.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The text is placed on a locked, frozen, or non-printing layer, preventing edits or making it seem missing.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The current text style has a preset height, so AutoCAD ignores your manual height input, or annotative text is not matching the active annotation scale.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Run STYLE, check the current text style, and set Height to 0 if you want to control text size manually for each object.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use MTEXT for nearly all production notes because it is faster to edit, wraps automatically, and handles formatting better than single-line text. Use TEXT only for simple labels or legacy standards.

FAQ

How do I change text size after placing text in AutoCAD?

Select the text, open Properties, and change Text height.

Why can’t I type a text height in AutoCAD?

Your current text style likely has a fixed height set in the STYLE command.

Should I use TEXT or MTEXT in AutoCAD?

Use MTEXT for most professional drafting work and TEXT only for simple single-line labels.

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