How to Explode Text in BricsCAD

Quick answer: TXTEXP explodes Text and Mtext entities into 2D polylines. Worth knowing clearly: the general EXPLODE command, covered elsewhere in this hub for blocks, can’t explode text entities at all, this dedicated command is required instead.

Exploding Text

1. Select the text (or texts) you want to explode.
2. Either choose Explode from the Edit tab of the Quad, or run TXTEXP directly.

The Quad’s Explode tool actually launches TXTEXP when used on text specifically, not the general EXPLODE command.

What to Know Before Exploding Text

The solid fill of certain TrueType fonts gets removed when exploded, leaving only the outlines behind. Since exploded text typically produces multiple separate polyline pieces, use JOIN afterward to combine them into closed polylines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the regular EXPLODE command on text entities? No, EXPLODE can’t explode text at all. Use TXTEXP instead, which is what the Quad’s Explode tool actually runs when you use it on text.

Will my text still look filled in after exploding it? Not necessarily, certain TrueType fonts lose their solid fill during exploding, leaving outlines only.

How do I turn exploded text outlines into clean closed shapes? Run JOIN afterward to combine the separate polyline pieces into closed polylines.

Is TXTEXP available in every BricsCAD edition? It’s an Express Tools command, so its availability may depend on your specific setup, the same caveat that applies to other Express Tools commands covered elsewhere in this hub.