Text around a curve

Dantech · October 2019

I've been trying to find a solution to this but still can't figure how to do it. I've clicked on the Parametrics link, but I have no idea how to use it.
Can someone explain to me how to do this IN LAYMAN TERMS. I am not a CAD Guru!
I just want to write text along a curved line.
Thanks

john_mcclary · October 2019

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/cfec40e2b66bb4ddb2f3414b

Try using this feature

Dantech · October 2019

john_mcclary said:

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/cfec40e2b66bb4ddb2f3414b

Try using this feature

I did last week, but I have no clue as to how to use it. Is there a tutorial video somewhere?
Thanks

Dantech · October 2019

I just tried to figure that "surface text" again but I'm totally confused as to how you use the darn thing. Do Import the program into MY OnShape? Do I need to import my drawing INTO the surface text program?
Totally lost and frustrated !!!! I appreciate the effort that goes into making these programs, but I sure wish they would show us how to use it.

NeilCooke · October 2019

Open the link above and press this button to add it to your toolbar....

john_mcclary · October 2019

The usage is in the PDF on in that document (see image below)

but for curve text it should be as easy as drawing a curve

And entering your text in the input area,
Then play with all the parameters until you get what you want.

If you have a link to a document showing your text not working. Link that here and we can point you in the right direction

Dantech · October 2019

Thank-you ! I was able to open it up from the link above.
Another dumb question ! Do I need to click that link every time I want to draw curved text, or can I access this program right from my OnShape that is registered under my name? I tried opening up OnShape with my user name, but the "ST" link is not there.
Thanks

john_mcclary · October 2019

The only way you can use the feature is to add it to your toolbar first, under your user name

NeilCooke · October 2019

Follow my instructions above to add it to your toolbar (sign-in first)

Dantech · October 2019

OK, I was able to sign in and I'm trying to get it to work. I drew an ellipse around 8" wide, and trying to write text along the curve. How do I reduce the size of the text so it doesn't look like the uploaded picture? I sure hope someone makes a video for some of us that are trying to teach ourselves CAD.
Thanks for the help and sorry for the dumb questions. I'm used to working on machines, not computers. :-)

Dantech · October 2019

OK, I was able to figure out how to resize the height of the text. My next issue; How do I move the text to the left so that I can locate it in the blue rectangle?

john_mcclary · October 2019

I'm not totally familiar with the feature,
I would try trimming the elipse to be the length you want the text.

You can do that by pressing the 'm' key to select the trim tool. Then select the part of the arc outside your box. It will delete the part of the arc between two intersecting lines. (Within the same sketch)

Dantech · October 2019

Thanks for the help,Guys! I think I finally got it figured out. I just needed to be pointed in the right direction to learn the basics. Getting old sucks and getting more difficult to learn these new things.
Dan

RotarySMP · December 2020

I am signed in, I clicked on the Beta link, and did the "Add custom feature" as decribed above, but the ST icon doesn't appear in my toolbar. Tried closing and loading Onshape, but it still doesn't appear.

Marko_B · September 2024

https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/comment/68734#Comment_68734

I could not find it initially as I was still editing a Sketch.
Close any Elements you are editing, then use search tool again for "Surface Text" you should see it in the list now to add to your list.

PMEcology · February 6

Reviving the topic, is there a tool that allows you to create text on a curve but in the form of a sketch and not a 3D solid?

ry_gb · February 6

https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/comment/126580#Comment_126580

I don't think the option is available unfortunately. Your best bet is to create the text first using the Featurescripts mentioned here and then use either project the faces or use Offset Surface.

Or else, Cunningham's Law, do your thing!

jnewth · February 6

@PMEcology Not quite sure what you need. I wrote a text placement feature that creates sketches or solids. Here's a set of numbers arranged on a spiral:

Or like this:

Kinda depends on what you're trying to accomplish. You can read about it here: https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/comment/101768

and find it here: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/4e187c2b2f7f4974f4e2b612/v/4446c75baffebee73f367acc/e/cdef2b8905cd0f5f8947fafc

That document contains a large number of examples to show you how different parts work.

Text around a curve

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