Michael’s Corner

Michael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

This month…

From the Vault

Originally published July 2005

Background Mask: Mtext feature or Express tool

Beginning in AutoCAD 2005, the Mtext shortcut menu has an item for Background Mask. Those of you who remember the Bonus Tools in R14 will also remember a Text Mask routine which is still around in the Express Tools of A2004 - A2006. Which is best?

First, they all do the same thing: create an opaque background for the selected Text (Express Tool only) or Mtext (Express or Mtext shortcut feature). With that understanding, let me review the simple differences between the Mtext feature of Background Mask and the Express Tool of Text Mask.

Background Mask

What it won't do

Dtext: The Background Mask routine in A2005/A2006 can only be invoked from the Mtext shortcut menu.
Separate words in Mtext: The background mask applies to the entire Mtext object. You cannot specify a word or phrase or paragraph to mask.

Instructions to Apply a Background Mask to Mtext in A2005/A2006

1. Double-click on Mtext to open the Mtext editor, then right-click and select Background Mask.
2. In the Background Mask dialog, check the box for Use Background Mask.

3. Under Fill Color, select a color for the background mask.

Note: If you check the box for Use Drawing Background Color, the opaque rectangle behind the text will be the same color as your drawing screen, typically White or Black, depending on if you're in Model or Paper space.

4. Click OK to close the dialog box, then click anywhere outside the Mtext Editor to close it and display the background mask.

Tip: To adjust the display of the fill color, you may want to change the justification of the text.

ExpressTextText Mask

What it will do

Dtext as well as Mtext: You can select both Mtext or Dtext objects to mask.
Multiple Mask types: The mask object is grouped with the selected text. Specify a Wipeout, Solid, or 3D Face as the masking object.

Instructions to Apply the Express Tool Text Mask to Text Objects

1. Launch Text Mask from the ET: Text toolbar or by selecting ExpressTextText Mask. The default Masktype is a Wipeout. This is similar to the Use Drawing Background Color option in the Mtext Background Mask.

Current settings: Offset factor = 0.3500, Mask type = Wipeout
Select text objects to mask or [Masktype/Offset]:

2. To achieve a colored background, enter M for Masktype, then S for Solid.

2. Select a color for the Solid, then click OK.
3. Now select the text objects for the text mask.

Major Tip: Since the text mask object is grouped with the selected text, it is important that you make sure the Pickstyle variable is set to 3. This enables the mask object to be moved or copied with the text.

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