AutoCAD Tip: Convert Text to Multileader Entities

by Dennis Collin

I was recently asked a question whether it was possible to add a leader arrow to an existing multiline text element in AutoCAD. Depending upon the version of AutoCAD used, this is possible without using an external routine. The add leader to text element was a new feature in AutoCAD 2023.

Fig 1. From AutoCAD 2023 onwards it is possible to add leader lines to existing Mtext elements.

Using AutoCAD 2024, simply click the Add Multileader command and choose ‘select Mtext’ option on the command prompt.

Click on the existing text element and place the arrow and leader line as desired.

Fig 2. Leader added to existing Mtext element.

In AutoCAD 2023 and LT 2024, the option is slightly different, but the result is the same, use the multi-leader command, choose options, leaders, select curved or straight leader type and then position the leader arrow as desired.

If using older versions of AutoCAD, this task could be achieved with programming such as VB or Lisp. A good place to start is Lee Mac’s site which has many useful functions.

http://www.lee-mac.com/

Lisp and other routines can achieve tasks not available with AutoCAD’s out of the box tools. I have outlined some examples of usage here:

Locating Overridden Dimensions

Custom Hatch Patterns

Creating Incremental Annotation Sequences