How-to guide · how to make a multiline attribute in a block

How to make a multiline attribute in a block in AutoCAD

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By Sumana Kumar · Published 20 Mar 2022 · Updated 12 May 2026

By default a block attribute holds a single line of text. A multiline attribute lets one attribute carry several lines that wrap inside a defined width — exactly what you need for an address, a notes field, a scope-of-work box or any tag where the text runs longer than a line. It behaves like a small multiline text (MTEXT) object inside the block, so it wraps, breaks and formats like proper paragraph text.

The feature is controlled by a single property on the attribute definition, but there is a system variable and a couple of habits that decide whether it works smoothly. Set it up right and a title block can hold a tidy multi-line address that you fill in once per drawing; set it up carelessly and the text overflows its box or refuses to wrap.

This guide creates a multiline attribute from the definition, sets its text boundary so wrapping behaves, and covers editing the value later — including the difference between a single-line and a multiline attribute that catches people out the first time.

Step 1 — Start a new attribute definition

Work inside the Block Editor (BEDIT) or in the drawing before you make the block, and run ATTDEF to open the Attribute Definition dialog. Fill in the Tag (the field name, no spaces), the Prompt (what the user is asked when inserting), and a default Value. These are the same fields you would set for any attribute.

The Tag is the internal name and must be a single token; the Prompt and Value can be friendlier. For a notes block you might use a Tag of NOTES, a Prompt of Enter notes, and leave the default value blank or with placeholder text. So far this is an ordinary attribute.

Step 2 — Tick the Multiple lines option

In the Attribute Definition dialog, under the Mode group, tick Multiple lines. This is the switch that turns the attribute from a single line into a multiline MTEXT-style attribute. With it ticked, a small button appears next to the default value field that opens a full multiline editor so you can enter wrapped text and basic formatting.

If you do not see the Multiple lines checkbox, check the ATTMULTI system variable — it must be set to 1 to allow multiline attributes. With ATTMULTI off, AutoCAD forces every attribute to a single line and the option is greyed out.

Step 3 — Set the text boundary width

A multiline attribute wraps within a boundary width. When you place the attribute, you can drag to define a text box width, just like placing MTEXT, or set the Boundary Width in the attribute's properties afterwards. The width is what makes the text wrap onto new lines instead of running off the edge of your title block.

Choose a width that matches the space available in the block — for an address field, the width of the address box. Too narrow and the text wraps awkwardly mid-word; too wide and it never wraps at all. Getting the boundary right is the difference between a clean notes box and a mess of overflow.

Step 4 — Position, justify and finish the definition

Set the insertion point and justification as you would any attribute text. For a multiline attribute, top-left justification usually reads best because the text grows downward as more lines are added, keeping the first line pinned. Set the text height to suit the title block, then place the attribute.

Complete the block definition with BLOCK (or save it in the Block Editor) so the multiline attribute becomes part of the block. From now on, every insertion of the block prompts for that attribute and accepts multiple wrapped lines of text rather than just one.

Step 5 — Enter and edit the multiline value

When you insert the block, the prompt for a multiline attribute opens the multiline editor so you can type or paste several lines. To edit later, double-click the block to open the Enhanced Attribute Editor, select the multiline attribute, and click into its value — a small editor button gives you the full multiline editing surface again.

You can paste a multi-line address straight in, and it wraps to the boundary you set. If the text spills outside the box, widen the boundary or reduce the text height. Because it behaves like MTEXT, line breaks you type are kept, and the wrapping handles the rest.

Pitfalls with multiline attributes

The first thing that stumps people is the ATTMULTI variable: if it is set to 0, the Multiple lines checkbox is unavailable and every attribute stays single-line. Set ATTMULTI to 1 before you start. The second is forgetting to set a boundary width, so the text either never wraps or wraps far too soon.

A third issue is justification — using a middle or bottom justification means the text box grows in a direction that pushes lines out of the title-block frame as you add them; top-left keeps the first line anchored. Finally, be aware that very old DWG formats and some other CAD apps may flatten a multiline attribute back to a single line, so if cross-app compatibility matters, test how the attribute travels before relying on it.

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Questions

Frequently asked

Why is the Multiple lines checkbox greyed out?+

The ATTMULTI system variable is set to 0, which forces single-line attributes. Set ATTMULTI to 1 and the Multiple lines option in the Attribute Definition dialog becomes available.

How do I control where the text wraps?+

A multiline attribute wraps within a boundary width. Define that width when you place the attribute by dragging, or set the Boundary Width in its properties, to match the space in your title block.

Can I convert an existing single-line attribute to multiline?+

Yes. Edit the attribute definition (in the Block Editor or via the original ATTDEF) and tick Multiple lines, with ATTMULTI set to 1. Existing single-line values carry over as the first line.

Why does my multiline text push out of the title-block box?+

The justification grows the text in the wrong direction, or the boundary width is wrong. Use a top-left justification so the first line stays pinned and the box grows downward within your frame.

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