Text Arrows

Lines with arrows can be independent or attached to other objects. If an arrow is attached to text or another object, deleting that object will also delete the arrow.

Leader Line

The Leader Line tool places a text object with an arrow already attached. This arrow can be selected and moved like any other line with arrow.

To create text with a leader line

Select CAD> Text> Leader Line .

Starting at the point where you want the arrow to point, drag to where you want a bend in the leader line and release the mouse button.

Click at the point where you want the center of the first line of text to display. The Text Specification dialog opens. See "Text Specification Dialog".

Enter text and click OK.

For multiple leaders, click int he same location to stop adding leader segments.


Note: Leader lines have two segments by default. You can change this in the Preferences dialog. See "Text & Page Setup Panel".

Text Line with Arrow

Text Lines with Arrow can be attached to text, CAD and architectural objects by selecting CAD> Text> Text Line with Arrow

. There is no limit to the number of text lines with arrow that can be attached to an object.

A Text Line with Arrow

behaves like a Line With Arrow

with one exception. Text Lines with Arrow are initially placed on the default Text layer, not the default CAD layer. See "Line With Arrow".

Auto Positioning Arrows

If either or both ends of a line with arrow are attached to a text object, Auto Position Tail and Auto Position Head are available on the Arrow Tab of the Line Specification dialog.

Check these if you want the text line with arrow to update its position on the text object if the text object or text line with arrow is moved.

The first segment of a polyline arrow attached to text maintains its angle when Auto Position is off and text is moved.

Auto Position is turned off automatically when an arrow is not attached to one of the auto position locations.

Arcs and splines with arrows can also be attached to text objects.

The following image illustrates the behavior of auto positioning. The arrow has the Auto Position Tail option checked. When the head of the line with arrow is moved, the tail of the arrow snaps to different locations on the text object, maintaining its connection.

Special Use Arrows

A text line with arrow designated as a special use arrow offers unique functionality that may be useful when annotating the height of various platforms. A special use arrow replaces the first number in the attached text object with the height of the architectural object it is attached to on the other end. The height is relative to the first floor elevation of 0'-0".

To create a Special Use Arrow

Create a text object that includes a number such as, Foundation Wall Height 1.

Using the Leader Line

tool, draw an arrow that connects the text object with a stem wall, footing, slab, foundation slab, custom countertop, or stair landing.

Select and open the arrow for specification, check Special Use on the Arrow tab, and click OK.

The text object should now read Foundation Wall Height 3' 0".