How to: Label Coordinate in AutoCAD

I had this question several times: can we automatically label our coordinate in AutoCAD? If you are a Civil3D user, then you most likely will suggest them to use C3D. But can AutoCAD do it? YES!

I saw many people use AutoLISP to do that task. It works great. But sometimes you may want to have your labeling symbol and format. So, why not using field?

Creating a reference object

First, we need to create an object as a reference point. It can be a point, a circle, or any symbol you want it to appear. I use this symbol.

I prefer to use point or circle. We can easily use the point position or circle center.

Creating an Attribute Definition

After we have the reference object, we need to define an attribute definition. You can activate it by clicking it on your ribbon, home tab, block panel.

Or simply type ATTDEF then [enter].

Let’s define our attribute. Give the attribute tag, prompt like below. In default field, type ‘X Y = ‘ then click insert field.

Change the field category to objects, and in field names, select object. Click select object button to define the object type. Select the circle, don’t select anything else!

AutoCAD will list all available properties. Select center (or if you use point, select position). Because I only use it in 2D drawings, I don’t need it to display Z value. I turn it off. Change the format if necessary.Click OK.

Click OK again to close the define attribute dialog box. Place your attribute definition in the desired location.

Optional: Define Adjustable Leader

If you don’t want to have a leader on your coordinate label, you can skip this step.

I add a line that will be used as the leader.

Create the Block

Now we can define the block. Click create from ribbon, block panel.

Select all the objects, and define the center as an insertion point. Activate Open in Block Editor on the lower left of this dialog. We are going to add some ‘dynamic’ functionality. Click OK.

AutoCAD will show the edit attribute dialog. We don’t want to modify it as it is updated automatically. Just click OK.

Add the Control Grip

What we want to do is adding a grip control so that we can modify the text (and optionally leader) placement. In block authoring palette, activate the point parameter.

Now place it where you want the grip to appear.

Now activate the stretch action.

Select the point parameter, create the stretch frame like below, and select the line and attribute definition. [Enter] to end it.

Now we are done! Save this block and close block editor.

Using the Label

How can we use the label? Just insert the block, and click on the point you want to show the coordinate. After you have one of the blocks in your drawing, you can copy it and place it on several points you wanted.

Because we add a control grip, we can move the text and leader position!

Because we use a field, if you move your points, the value will be automatically updated! Very cool, isn’t it?

Why Attribute Definition? Why not Just Use Text?

You might ask this: why not just use text in a field? I know we can insert a field into a text, single or multiline. But it doesn’t work. You may want to try it by yourself.

Apparently, the field will consider the reference point always at 0,0,0 when you create a block. It works if you don’t create a block from them, but I believe you want to use it as reusable content, aren’t you?

Video Instruction

If you have problem, you can use this video as reference how to create and use the coordinate label block.

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as a Sr. Consultant in PT Cipta Satria Informatika. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and I am also active in Autodesk discussion forum. I'm a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, an appreciation for individuals who give contributions to the Autodesk community.
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