When working in ZWCAD, have you ever encountered a situation like this? Your drawing contains a large number of Text objects scattered across different areas. Editing them one by one is not only time-consuming, but also increases the risk of inconsistent formatting or mistakes.

In many cases, you may want to manage several related text lines as a single unit—for example, to adjust alignment, spacing, or formatting uniformly. However, when these texts exist as independent Text objects, such operations can be inefficient. In such situations, converting multiple Text objects into a single MText object can significantly improve editing efficiency and help maintain consistency across the drawing. This article will walk you through practical methods to convert Text to MText in ZWCAD, allowing you to better organize and manage textual content in your drawings.

What is the difference between MText and Text?

In CAD, there are two main types of text objects: Text and MText.

Text is a single-line text object, suitable for labels, dimensions, or short notes.

MText is a multi-line text object, similar to a text box, ideal for paragraphs or content that requires consistent formatting.

Text objects are independent line by line, while MText objects are edited as a single, unified entity. Therefore, the difference is not simply about “single line or multiple lines,” but whether the text is managed and edited as a whole.

For a clearer visual distinction, see the example in the figure below. Although both are two lines, MText is selected as a single object when clicked, while the Text allows selection only of the line you click on, since each line is an independent object.

(MText objects when selected)

(Text objects when selected)

To convert Text to MText for easier multi-line editing, please refer to How to Convert Mtext to Text in ZWCAD.

Method 1: Using the TXT2MTXT Command

This method uses the TXT2MTXT command to merge multiple Text objects into a single MText object. It is suitable for users who are familiar with command-line operations and need a fast, direct way to convert selected Text objects.

1.  Type TXT2MTXT in the command line and select it

2.  Select the Text objects you want to merge, then press Enter or the Space to complete the conversion

Method 2: Using the Express Tools

This method converts Text to MText through the Express Tools menu. It is ideal for users who prefer menu-based operations and want a more visual and guided workflow.

1.  Click Express Tools > Text > Convert Text to MText

2.  Select the Text objects you want to merge, then press Enter or the Space bar to complete the conversion

Best Practices

To get the best results when converting multiple single-line Text objects into MText in ZWCAD, consider the following tips:

1.  Confirm your editing needs before conversion

Determine whether merging Text into MText is necessary for your workflow. If you plan to perform batch formatting or paragraph editing, conversion is recommended.

2.  Check text formatting

Text objects may have different fonts, alignment, or spacing. Before conversion, ensure consistency to avoid layout issues in the resulting MText.

3.  Use layer management

Place the Text objects on appropriate layers and lock or hide unrelated layers. This helps you accurately select the desired Text objects and reduces the risk of including unintended content.

4.  Backup important drawings

For drawings with many Text objects or complex layouts, save a copy or create a temporary backup before conversion to prevent loss of information.

FAQs

Why can't I convert some Text objects into MText?

This usually happens because the selected objects are not standard Text, or they are part of a Block or external reference (Xref), which cannot be directly converted. Other possible reasons include:

· The Text objects are on locked or frozen layers.

· Some objects may have special properties or be part of grouped elements.

To resolve this, first verify that all selected objects are standard single-line Text. Ensure that the layers are unlocked and visible, and ungroup or explode any grouped elements if necessary. Then try the conversion again.

Why does the converted MText look different from the original Text layout?

During conversion, the layout and formatting of Text objects may not be fully preserved. Some common changes include:

· The spacing between lines may differ, especially if the original Text objects had different line heights.

· Fonts and alignment may be reset to the default MText style.

· Special characters or tab spacing may appear altered.

These differences are normal because MText treats all content as a single, unified block. After conversion, you may need to manually adjust the font, alignment, line spacing, or paragraph settings to match your original layout.

Converting multiple single-line Text objects into one MText object in ZWCAD helps streamline editing and ensures consistent formatting across your drawing. Understanding the distinction between Text and MText, selecting the appropriate conversion method, and following recommended practices—such as verifying text formatting, managing layers, and backing up your work—can make the process faster, safer, and more reliable.