TXTFR-bgol (Fitted Frame Around Text)

Command Type: AutoLISP routine (works in AutoCAD, BricsCAD, ZWCAD and most AutoLISP-compatible CAD platforms)
Developed by: BGol Community, bgol.in

Inspired by the general concept of "fit a box around text" drafting utilities. This is an original, independently written routine, new file name, new command name, new source code, created so the CAD community has a free, editable, open-source alternative.

Overview

TFRM draws a rectangle tightly fitted around each selected text entity, sized to that specific text's own width and height (plus a small margin). Unlike inserting a fixed-size block, every frame matches its text exactly, no overlap on long labels, no wasted space on short ones.

How to Use

1. Load TXTFR-bgol.lsp into your CAD session (drag-and-drop the file onto the drawing window, or use the APPLOAD command).
2. Type TFRM at the command line and press Enter.
3. Select one or more TEXT/MTEXT entities to frame.
4. Press Enter to finish selection.
5. A rectangle is drawn around each selected text, on a dedicated layer, BGOL-TXTFRAME (colour blue).

Why Use It

• Precise fit, the frame is computed from each text's real bounding box, not a fixed block size.
• Time savings, draws all selected frames in one command run instead of manually drafting a rectangle per label.
• Cleaner presentation, makes key values (elevations, benchmarks, IDs) stand out consistently across the drawing.

Where to Use It

• Highlighting critical elevation values, benchmark readings, or other key numeric data in a presentation-quality drawing.
• Any drafting task needing text visually emphasized with a clean, properly fitted border, especially when label lengths vary.

Notes

• Default clearance margin is 1.0 drawing unit around each text; edit the margin variable near the top of C:TFRM in the .lsp file to change it.
• Frames are independent LWPOLYLINE entities, moving/erasing the source text does not move/erase its frame automatically.
• Source code is fully open, feel free to study, modify, and redistribute it under the same open, free-for-all spirit.

Credits

Developed and shared for the CAD community by BGol Community. Website: https://bgol.in/ Free and open-source, use it, modify it, share it, for personal or commercial work alike.