TXTSNAP-bgol (Snap Text onto a Polyline)

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 text-to-curve snapping utilities used in CAD/survey drafting. 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

TSNP pulls a set of selected text entities onto the nearest position on a target polyline, like a magnet. It instantly cleans up elevation, chainage, or other labels that have drifted or were placed inconsistently relative to a reference line, giving a clean, professional presentation.

How to Use

1. Load TXTSNAP-bgol.lsp into your CAD session (drag-and-drop the file onto the drawing window, or use the APPLOAD command).
2. Type TSNP at the command line and press Enter.
3. Select the text entities that are currently scattered/offset relative to the target line.
4. Select the target polyline to align to.
5. Each selected text's insertion point moves to the nearest point on that polyline. A small point marker is left at each new position on a dedicated layer, BGOL-TSNP (colour magenta), for a quick visual audit trail of what moved.

Why Use It

• Instantly cleans up scattered or inconsistently placed text into a visually aligned, professional presentation.
• Combined with the offset trick, provides flexible control, align texts directly on a line, or at a controlled fixed distance from it, using the same underlying routine.
• Saves significant manual effort compared to individually dragging or repositioning each text entity by hand.

Where to Use It

• Cleaning up elevation, chainage, or label text that has drifted or was placed inconsistently relative to a reference polyline (e.g., a section line or alignment).
• Preparing presentation-quality drawings for client review, where visual consistency of label alignment matters.
• Any drafting task needing to snap many text entities onto (or at a fixed offset from) a line in a single operation.

Notes

• Works on TEXT and MTEXT entities; each text's insertion/anchor point is what gets moved, text rotation is left unchanged.
• The small point markers on BGOL-TSNP are a visual log only; delete that layer's content freely once you've confirmed the alignment looks correct.
• 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.