Mirror Text In Autocad 2018

Mirror Text in AutoCAD 2018

Mirroring objects in AutoCAD is a common operation used to create symmetrical designs or duplicate elements. However, mirroring text presents a unique challenge because standard mirroring reverses the text, rendering it illegible. This article explores the methods available in AutoCAD 2018 to mirror text correctly, preserving its readability.

Understanding the Mirroring Challenge with Text

Unlike other geometric objects, text contains directional information. Mirroring flips this direction, essentially creating a backward image of the text. This poses problems for readability and requires specialized techniques to overcome.

Method 1: MIRRTEXT System Variable

AutoCAD provides a system variable, MIRRTEXT, specifically designed to control how text is handled during a mirror operation. This is the quickest and often preferred method for mirroring text objects.

* **Value 0:** This is the default setting. Text is mirrored and flipped, resulting in backwards, unreadable text. * **Value 1:** Text is mirrored but its direction is maintained, ensuring readability.

To change the MIRRTEXT value, type MIRRTEXT in the command line and press Enter. Then, enter the desired value (0 or 1) and press Enter again. This setting affects all subsequent mirror operations until changed again.

Method 2: Using the _MIRROR Command with Text Mirroring Option

The _MIRROR command itself offers an option to control text mirroring behavior directly within the command execution.

* **Initiate the _MIRROR command.** Select the text object(s) to be mirrored. * **Specify the first point of the mirror line.** * **Specify the second point of the mirror line.** * **When prompted to "Erase source objects? [Yes/No] ", enter Y or N as needed.** * **The command line then prompts: "Mirror text? [Yes/No] ".** Entering Y will mirror the text while maintaining its readability. Entering N will mirror and flip the text like the default MIRRTEXT 0 setting.

This method allows for mirroring text differently even if the global MIRRTEXT setting is set to 0. It offers flexibility for individual mirroring operations.

Method 3: Exploding Text into Lines and Polylines

While generally less preferred due to the loss of text editing capability, exploding text objects converts them into individual lines and polylines. This allows for mirroring without the text reversal issue, as the directional information of the text is lost.

* **Select the text object(s).** * **Type _EXPLODE in the command line and press Enter.** * **Use the _MIRROR command normally.**

This method is useful when dealing with legacy drawings or situations where text editing is no longer required. However, bear in mind that the exploded text cannot be easily edited as text anymore.

Method 4: Mirroring with a Block

Creating a block containing the text and then mirroring the block can also prevent text reversal. This is a valuable technique when dealing with complex objects that include text.

* **Create a block containing the text and any other associated objects.** * **Use the _MIRROR command on the block instance.** The text within the block will maintain its correct orientation.

This approach maintains the integrity of the text within the block and allows for easier management of complex objects.

Considerations for Mirroring Multiline Text (MTEXT)

Multiline Text (MTEXT) objects behave similarly to single-line text when mirrored. The MIRRTEXT system variable and the _MIRROR command options apply to MTEXT as well. However, due to the potential for complex formatting within MTEXT, it's important to verify the mirroring results carefully.

Best Practices for Mirroring Text

To ensure consistent and predictable results when mirroring text, consider the following best practices:

* **Understand the MIRRTEXT setting.** Know whether it is set to 0 or 1 before mirroring text. * **Use the _MIRROR command options when needed.** This allows for greater control over individual mirror operations. * **Consider using blocks for complex objects.** This simplifies the mirroring process and maintains text integrity. * **Verify the mirrored text.** After any mirroring operation involving text, double-check that the text is displayed correctly and remains editable if necessary.

By understanding the various methods and best practices for mirroring text in AutoCAD 2018, users can achieve accurate and readable results in their drawings, streamlining their workflow and ensuring design integrity.