How To Use Mirror Text In Autocad

How to Use Mirror Text in AutoCAD

Mirroring text in AutoCAD allows users to create a reversed copy of existing text objects. This functionality proves useful in various design scenarios, such as creating symmetrical labels, mirrored annotations for manufacturing drawings, or reversed text for specialized applications like vinyl cutting.

AutoCAD offers several methods to mirror text, each offering distinct advantages depending on the desired outcome. These methods include using the MIRROR command, utilizing the MIRRTEXT system variable, and leveraging the Properties palette.

Using the MIRROR command: This is the most common method for mirroring text and other objects. The MIRROR command creates a reversed copy of the selected object across a specified mirror line.

To mirror text using the MIRROR command, users first select the text object to be mirrored. Next, the command is initiated by typing "MIRROR" in the command line and pressing Enter. AutoCAD then prompts the user to specify the first point of the mirror line. This point can be specified by clicking a location in the drawing area or by entering coordinates. After specifying the first point, the user is prompted to specify the second point of the mirror line. Once both points are defined, AutoCAD displays a preview of the mirrored text.

A crucial step in mirroring text is deciding whether to delete the source object. AutoCAD prompts the user with "Delete source objects? [Yes/No] ". Choosing "Yes" deletes the original text, leaving only the mirrored copy. Choosing "No" retains the original text and creates the mirrored copy. This offers flexibility depending on the specific design requirement.

Utilizing the MIRRTEXT System Variable: The MIRRTEXT system variable controls whether text is mirrored when using the MIRROR command. This variable accepts three possible values: 0, 1, and 2.

A value of 0 prevents text from being mirrored. The text object is treated like any other object, creating a mirrored copy but preserving the original text's orientation. This setting is useful when mirroring a group of objects including text where the text should retain its original reading direction.

A value of 1 mirrors the text along with the geometry of the text object. This is the default behavior of the MIRROR command and results in a reversed image of the text. This setting is frequently used for creating symmetrical annotations or labels.

A value of 2 mirrors only the geometry of the text object, preserving the original orientation of the text characters. This option effectively creates a mirrored outline of the text object but keeps the text readable in the original direction. This setting can be beneficial in specific drawing scenarios where mirrored geometry is required but legible text is crucial.

To change the MIRRTEXT system variable, type "MIRRTEXT" in the command line and press Enter. AutoCAD then prompts the user to enter the desired value. Changing this system variable affects all subsequent mirror operations until the value is changed again.

Leveraging the Properties Palette: The Properties palette offers a visual method to adjust the mirroring of existing text objects. This method provides a direct approach to modify the mirroring behavior after the text has been mirrored using the MIRROR command.

After mirroring a text object, select the mirrored text. The Properties palette will display various properties of the selected text, including a property related to mirroring. This property can be toggled to control whether the text is mirrored or not. Modifying this property in the Properties palette provides a convenient way to adjust the mirroring after the initial mirroring operation.

Mirroring Text within a Block: When mirroring a block that contains text, the mirroring behavior of the text within the block is controlled by the MIRRTEXT system variable at the time the block is created. If MIRRTEXT is set to 1 when the block is created, the text within the block will mirror along with the block geometry when the block is mirrored. If MIRRTEXT is set to 0 or 2, the text within the block will retain its original orientation when the block is mirrored.

Practical Applications: Mirroring text finds application in numerous design and drafting scenarios. Creating symmetrical labels on opposite sides of a part is a common use case. Mirroring text is also essential for generating reversed text for applications such as vinyl cutting, where the mirrored design is applied to the material.

Understanding the different methods and settings available for mirroring text in AutoCAD allows users to achieve precise control over their designs and ensure the mirrored text appears exactly as intended. Selecting the appropriate method – MIRROR command, MIRRTEXT system variable, or Properties palette – depends on the specific context of the drawing and the desired outcome.