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Special Characters in IntelliCAD

Inherent in the DWG file format is a text system that has its origins in DOS-based AutoCAD, which was required to manage its own graphical text. This system was developed when computing power was a fraction of that available today and also based on the assumption that final output would be by pen plotter.

As we all know, Windows is quite capable of managing text in applications and today, output more likely to be via some form of inkjet technology. Although IntelliCAD is a Windows-only application, it retains the antiquated text system in order to maintain DWG compatibility.

Non-standard characters and special formatting are added to text in IntelliCAD using control codes in text strings. These control codes can be typed directly into the text at the command window and placed in text through the text panel when editing text.

Example
Created by	Ut wisi %%uenim%%d %%oad%%p%%o%%u minim %%c %%oveniam

Overscore and underscore can be toggled on concurrently and both modes are cancelled at the end of a text string.

The percent sign is normally handled like any other text character. The control code option is provided for those rare instances where a literal percent sign precedes a control code sequence or where two percent signs are required in a text string.

The special character control code is an interesting one. Font characters are mapped against the ASCII standard character set code numbers in the font definition file. Code numbers from 32 to 126 are used for standard font characters. Using the control code %%097 will show the character A in a text string (97 is the code number for A. Although using 97 would work, using a full three digit code number is preferable for consistency).

Non-standard and international characters, and symbols inaccessible via the keyboard (e.g. fractions) are generally allocated code numbers between 130 and 255. If the font you are using has special character definitions, the special character control code is how you access them. Font suppliers can advise if special characters are defined in the 130 to 255 code number range. Or you can define them yourself (but that's another, long story).

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