By Martin Phelps
Please note this function is only available when using “Multi-Line Text”.
This function is not new to AutoCAD, but can be an alternative to placing a “Frame” around the text, as described in a previous blog, follow the link below to view.
The use of this function may depend on company CAD standards and presentation styles.
Applying a “Mask” can emphasise the importance of the specified text, allowing it to stand out with in the drawing.
The “Mask” can be either set to a specific colour or set to the “Drawing Background”, using the “Drawing Background Colour” will be covered in a later blog.
The “Boundary” or “Text Border” of the “Multiline Text” can also be increased to emphasise the importance of the “Text” even further, again this will be covered in a later blog.
The “Mask” can either be added to the “Multiline Text” on creation or added later by using the “Multiline Text Editor”.
If the “Multi-line Text” already exists within the drawing, double click on the “Text” to activate the “Text Editor”, which is now shown as a context sensitive tab on the ribbon menu, as shown in Figure 1.
In the “Style” panel select “Mask”, as shown in Figure 2.
The “Background Mask” dialogue is now displayed, as shown in Figure 3.
Check the “Use Background Mask” box, once checked, the “Background Colour” list is active and can be changed, as shown in Figure 4.
The default “Background Colour” is “Red”, but the user can choose any of the standard colours from the flyout menu, as shown in Figure 5.
By selecting “Select Colour” at the bottom of the list, this allows access to the complete spectrum of the available colours including “True Colour” and “Colour Books”, as shown in Figure 6.
Once a suitable colour has been selected, “Ok” the dialogue box, to complete the function select the “Green Tick” at the right of the “Text Editor” tab, the result is shown in Figure 7.