Engineering technician Paul F. Grabowski uses custom linetypes that have text embedded in them. He shows us some methods he uses to change the way the text is displayed in AutoCAD.

"We use linetypes that have text as part of the linetype. On site surveys, for example, we have a linetype labeled with FO to indicate a fiber optic line. We also use one with the word GAS to indicate a buried gas line. Sometimes, with a polyline, I want the text reversed for a better appearance in the drawing. In the past I used to redraw the polyline in the opposite direction and erase the original. This was OK for short runs of just a few segments, but time-consuming for long runs with many segments.

"Now I draw a short polyline segment with the text running in the direction I want, move it to an end of the existing polyline, and use PEdit to join it to the existing polyline. The text changes in the whole line. I then make a break and erase the short segment, and the change is complete."
 
Notes from Cadalyst Tip Patrol: Custom linetypes are used by many designers around the world. There are some text-based linetypes that come with AutoCAD out of the box. They place text within the line; as the line goes, so does the text. If the text is not displayed correctly, redraw the line. The first insertion point is the starting point of the text. A new feature in the latest version of AutoCAD is the Reverse option in the PEdit (Polyline Edit) command. Start the PEdit command, select your polyline, and choose the option Reverse. This will reverse the direction of the polyline.