Creating a Text Based Table or Legend

Reference Number: KB-00042

Last Modified: August 28, 2026

QUESTION

I need to create a basic table of text contained in a grid, such as for a legend. How can I accomplish this in Chief Architect?

ANSWER

There are a number of ways to approximate the look of tables in Chief Architect, including using the CAD tools to create boxes, lines, and Rich Text. In this article, however, we will discuss creating a basic table using the Text tool.

To create a table using the Text tool

From the menu, select CAD> Text> Text , then click in plan to open the Text Specification dialog.

Please note you cannot create a simple table using Rich Text.
On the Text panel, create the text you want displayed in your table, and use the Tab key on your keyboard to pan between text that you want to be separated in to different columns.
On the Attributes panel, check Display Border, check Display Grid Lines, and specify any other settings to your liking, such as the Alignment of text.
On the Line Style panel, you can change the Color of the grid lines to a different color, if desired.
Make any other desired changes in this dialog, such as to the Fill Style and Text Style panels, then click OK to finish creating the table.
The text object can now be added to the library using the Add to Library edit button, if you desire.

If you are creating a custom legend key, or want to modify a legend that exists in the library, such as the Electrical Legend or Plumbing Symbols, then you will likely also want to place CAD blocks representing the 3D objects.

To add CAD blocks

Select CAD> CAD Block Management .
Navigate to the CAD block's name in the list, click on it to highlight it, then select the Insert button.
Click in the plan where you want to place the 2D CAD block.
If you want to make changes to a individual elements of a CAD block, select the Edit CAD Block edit button to open a separate window. Notice that the CAD block is no longer a single, non-editable unit. Instead, you will be able to select and modify each individual CAD line, polyline, and text object.

It is possible to nest a CAD block within another CAD block. If, after clicking Edit CAD Block or Explode CAD Block tool, you find an object that you cannot edit as expected, click on it to select and then check the Edit toolbar for the Explode CAD Block edit button. If you find this button, click on it and continue editing.
When your CAD block is edited to suit your needs, select Tools> Active View> Save Active View . You may be prompted with a Question dialog asking if you'd like to replace all instances of the block with the copy you have modified. Choose your desired option to proceed.
Your modified CAD block can also be added to your library for future use; click on the CAD block to select it, then click the Add to Library edit button.