Sketch menu: Text tool

What is the Text tool?

You can use the Text tool to create text as sketch profiles on a default plane, planar face, or construction plane. These profiles can be used to create solid features, just like other closed sketch profiles.

How to use the Text tool

Choose where to add text

Start the Text tool using the method that matches where you want to place your text:

• Default plane – Define your sketch plane, then go to Sketch > Text.
• Planar face or construction plane – Preselect the face or construction plane, then choose Add Text from the Adaptive User Interface. Select More if Add Text is not immediately visible.

Note: For other ways to access tools, visit Accessing tools.

Create and position text

1. In the Add Text dialog, enter the text in the text field.
2. Adjust the available settings:
   • Font – Choose a font installed on your device.
   • Capital Height – Set the height of capital letters.
   • Alignment – Choose left, center, or right alignment.
3. Select Continue.
4. Use the gizmo to position the text on the sketch plane.
5. Select Done to finish.

Edit text after placement

After you finish the Text tool, the text becomes sketch items that you can modify like other sketch geometry.

• Sketch geometry – Modify individual lines, curves, and points that make up the text.
• Dimensions and position – Adjust the size and placement of the sketch geometry.
• Text content and font – The original wording and font can no longer be edited through the Add Text dialog. Create new text if you need to change either.
• Solid features – Use closed text profiles to create features such as raised or engraved lettering. Some fonts may require sketch adjustments before the profiles can be used.

History settings

Shapr3D records sketch items created on the same plane in a shared Sketch step in History. Find the Sketch step to review or modify these settings:

• Plane – Select Edit… or Select… to change the plane or face containing the sketch, then select Done.
• Projection – If applicable, select Edit… to modify existing projections in the sketch.

When to use the Text tool

The Text tool is useful for creating:

• Engraved labels – Create text profiles to cut names, measurements, or identifiers into a surface.
• Raised lettering – Extrude text profiles to add lettering to a model.
• Signs and nameplates – Position lettering on flat parts or panels.
• Custom markings – Add part numbers or other text-based details to a design.

Best practices and troubleshooting

• Check the font and wording before selecting Done, since the original text settings cannot be reopened afterward.
• Use Capital Height to size lettering consistently.
• Inspect letter outlines before creating solid features, especially for decorative fonts.