Chapter Objectives. After reading this chapter, you'll be able to do the following:

This chapter describes the use of 2D and 3D text. Inventor's 2D text provides you with a simple, quick method for annotating your graphics. For greater embellishment and flexibility, use 3D text, which offers you a wide range of possibilities for shaping the profiles of 3D fonts. Key concepts introduced in this chapter include justification, spacing, font type and size, and profiles. Although the topic of NURBS curves and surfaces is mentioned, that subject is explained fully in Chapter 20, Curves and Surfaces.

The first part of this chapter focuses on 2D text and introduces certain concepts common to both 2D and 3D text, such as justification, spacing, and font type and size. The second part of the chapter describes the use of 3D text. The main additional concept in the use of 3D text is defining the cross-sectional profile for the text. You can create profiles that are straight, curved, or a combination of the two.