How to Number Lines in AutoCAD?

Numbering lines in AutoCAD typically involves adding sequential text labels next to or on the lines themselves, rather than applying a number property directly to the line object. This is commonly achieved using automated tools that can place and increment text based on selection order or location.

Using the TCOUNT (Text Count) Command

One of the most common ways to achieve automatic numbering of objects, including adding numbered labels to lines, is by using the TCOUNT command, which is part of AutoCAD's Express Tools. This tool specifically numbers text objects, so you would place text objects near your lines and then use TCOUNT to number them sequentially.

The TCOUNT command allows you to control the starting number and increment, much like the "Auto Numbering" described where you can start "from 11" or "continue with the 6" and enter an increment like "1".

Here's how to use TCOUNT to number text objects placed near your lines:

1. Prepare your drawing: Place single-line text (TEXT or DTEXT) or multi-line text (MTEXT) objects near the lines you want to number. These can be dummy text (like "##" or "X") or empty text objects.
2. Start the command: Type TCOUNT in the command line and press Enter.
3. Select objects: Select the text objects you want to number. You can select them individually or use a window/crossing selection. The order in which you select them matters for the numbering sequence, depending on the next step.
4. Specify sort method: After selecting, press Enter. You'll be prompted to specify how the objects should be sorted for numbering. Common options include:
   • Select-order: Numbers the text in the exact order you selected them.
   • X-coordinate: Numbers the text based on their horizontal position (left to right).
   • Y-coordinate: Numbers the text based on their vertical position (bottom to top).
5. Specify starting number and increment: This is where you define the numbering sequence.
   • You will be prompted to enter the Starting number and Increment. For example, to start numbering from 11 with an increment of 1, you would enter 11 and then 1. This corresponds to the concept of starting "from 11. And enter 1 enter".
   • The ability to "start or continue with the 6" likely refers to either explicitly setting the starting number to 6 or potentially using a tool that can detect the highest existing number and continue from there, or perhaps sorting by Y-coordinate where the last number in a sequence is 6. TCOUNT explicitly asks for a starting number.
6. Specify placement: You'll be asked how to place the numbers within the selected text objects:
   • Overwrite: Replaces the existing text with the number.
   • Prefix: Adds the number before the existing text.
   • Suffix: Adds the number after the existing text.
   • Find and Replace: Replaces a specific string (like "##") with the number.
   • Justification: Inserts the number based on the text object's justification point.

Choose the placement method that suits how you placed your initial text objects. Overwrite is common if you placed dummy text.

TCOUNT Step	Description	Relates to Reference Hint
Select Objects	Choose the text objects to number.	(Implicitly selecting what to number)
Sort Method	Define the sequence (Select-order, X, Y).	Influences the order of numbering.
Specify Start, Increment	Set the first number and the value added for each subsequent number.	"from 11. And enter 1 enter", "start or continue with the 6".
Placement Method	Determine how the number is inserted into/replaces the existing text.	Defines how the number label appears near the line.

Other Methods for Auto Numbering

While TCOUNT is a standard method via Express Tools, other ways to number lines or associated text include:

• Custom AutoLISP Routines: Experienced users or developers can write custom LISP programs to automate specific numbering tasks, offering more flexibility in selecting objects, placing text, and defining complex numbering logic. Many free or commercial LISP routines for numbering exist online.
• Third-Party Plugins: Various commercial or free AutoCAD plugins are available that offer advanced numbering features, often specifically designed for certain disciplines like surveying or civil engineering.

These methods can provide more sophisticated "Auto Numbering" solutions, potentially allowing direct selection of lines and automatic placement of text, or offering different continuation logics like picking up the next available number from a range.

In summary, the core process involves creating text labels near your lines and then using a tool like TCOUNT to automatically populate these labels with sequential numbers based on criteria like start number, increment, and sorting method.