Text to Outline

[Daanosje]

Hi All,

Recently started to use a cnc machine, now I want to machine letters, but if I use TXTEXP on the letters they become lines. To correct this is time intensive. I was wondering if there is an easier way to change text in to lines and arcs. 

Ps. I am aware there are fonts that function as an outline, but its a project where I need the specific font.

Hope you guys can help me!

[jayhar]

Hi,

Use WMFOUT and select the objects. You can select lines, polylines, arcs, circles, anything… Next use WMFIN to import what you just exported. It will come in as a block. For the insertion point use the upper left corner of the viewport, and for the scale use 2.0.  Since it’s difficult to obtain the exact UL corner of the viewport, you can select a point close and move the block into place before exploding it.

Please Mark the Post or Posts as Solution(s) to help others find the answer quickly. If your issue persists,

Please give me a bit more detail on this issue so we can continue to work towards getting this solved.

Thanks You
Jayhar.M.J

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[pendean]

SHX fonts are called stick-fonts for a reason: there are no smooth curves, that are all lines.

Try Jayhar's tip using the TTF fonts of the stik-fonts you like to use.

[Kent1Cooper]

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@Daanosje wrote:

... I use TXTEXP on the letters they become lines. .... I was wondering if there is an easier way to change text in to lines and arcs. 

.... there are fonts that function as an outline, but its a project where I need the specific font. ....

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What's the "specific font" in question?  Is it a .SHX or .TTF variety?

@pendean, it is  possible for .SHX fonts to have true curves, though to get anything comparable to nice .TTF font outlines can be quite complicated to define.  That was one of the characteristics of many LetterEase .SHX fonts, way back in the days when AutoCAD didn't yet have the capability to use .TTF fonts -- see >this thread< [which is about kerning rather than outlines, but that was also once a capability of the LetterEase system].

[Daanosje]

Goodmorning Jayhar,

Thanks for your reply.

Yesterday I tried your suggestion, used WFMOUT on both MTEXT and TEXT, imported said WFM back into the same or a new drawing. It imports, like you said, as a block, but it stays either a MTEXT or TEXT and if I want to convert those to PL´s they still become loads of straight lines.

Am I doing something wrong?

I have attached the dwg with the sentence in font and in TEXTEXP. The font I have used is definitely a TTF, I've attached that as well, maybe I am missing something that makes what I want impossible.

Thanks again!

[Daanosje]

I don't seem to be able to upload anything.

[j.palmeL29YX]

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@Daanosje wrote:

I don't seem to be able to upload anything.

---

Scroll down to the Attachments area and pick the appropriate button. Then you can choose the file to upload.

https://autode.sk/2yX4H5U

At last pick the POST button.

cadder

[Daanosje]

When I have selected the files and click post, the page returns to the top with the text still there, but no attachments. Without attachments I can reply.

[j.palmeL29YX]

Perhaps you try to upload a file format (extension) which is not allowed here?

Pack the file(s) in a .zip and try again.

cadder

[Daanosje]

Herby the attachments

[j.palmeL29YX]

I'd do it as shown in the video .

Maybe you still have to add (manually) some "bridges" so that you don't lose the islands.

cadder

[Daanosje]

J.

The problem I'm encountering is that when I convert the TXT to 2D Polyline (TXTEXP) I lose all the curves. They become lots of short lines instead of longer curves. I can't see in your vid wether that is the case in your dwg, but it is in mine when I use your method.

Maybe my question should be: Can I convert a TTF to lines and arcs without tracing everythin by hand.

[Lineabove]

I found a better solution than WFMOUT-WFMIN as I had the same issues with the lines which simulate the arc.

I published the Text to a drawing at 4800 dpi pdf.

I then IMPORTED (not INSERT) the pdf into the drawing (Make sure Solid Fills in checked). I am using AutoCAD 2020.

COVERT the Solid Fills to HATCH (various lip programs available in the Forum)

SELECT each HATCH and recreate the Boundary. Trim as required.

ERASE the HATCH.

VIOLA! Text outline.

[pendean]

I believe you can save the lisp conversion step by setting text capturing in your PDF driver to CAPTURE TO GEOMETRY... .

[Lineabove]

Interesting.

Will check that out.

Thanks.

[whitney_jeff]

Check the ap store - text to vector, there is an ap called TTCONV - a couple of free trials, then a $25 fee.

AFAIK, it only works for TTF

[Lineabove]

I had this with AutoCAD 2017.
If I am correct, it is not updated to AutoCAD 2020.
(It was a terrific app.)

[whitney_jeff]

Yes it is - used it for creating vinyl graphics - a script font that we put on an airplane at the museum I volunteer at.

[Lineabove]

I will check it out again.

Thanks.