TXTFIND-bgol (Select Text Containing Pattern)

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 pattern-based text search utilities used in CAD 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

SLTC selects every TEXT entity in the drawing whose content matches a pattern you specify, starts with, ends with, or contains a given substring. Native CAD find/search tools typically lack this kind of pattern-based filtering; SLTC fills that gap and leaves the matching text selected for further batch editing.

How to Use

1. Load TXTFIND-bgol.lsp into your CAD session (drag-and-drop the file onto the drawing window, or use the APPLOAD command).
2. Type SLTC at the command line and press Enter.
3. Enter the search text/substring when prompted.
4. Choose the match mode: Starts, Ends, or Contains (defaults to Contains if you just press Enter).
5. Every TEXT entity in the drawing matching your pattern is selected and grip-highlighted. Run any further command (MOVE, CHPROP, ERASE, etc.) and it acts on that selection.

Why Use It

• Fills a native gap, provides prefix/suffix/substring matching not available in standard CAD find/search tools.
• Time savings, instantly selects all matching text across a drawing instead of manually scanning and picking each one.
• Flexible, supports three different matching behaviors for varied search needs.

Where to Use It

• Selecting all street/road name labels ending in "Road" (or similar suffix) for batch editing or formatting.
• Selecting all text entities starting with a specific letter or prefix (e.g. all point labels starting with "N" for north-side points).
• Any drawing QA or batch-editing task requiring text entities filtered and selected by a naming pattern rather than manual picking.

Notes

• Matching uses AutoLISP's native wcmatch wildcard function and is case-sensitive.
• Scans the entire drawing (ssget "_X"), not just the current viewport.
• If nothing matches, the command reports that plainly and the previous selection is left untouched.
• 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.