Introduction:  The instructions and video below show how to create a column arrangement in OpenRoads SignCAD.

A column is a group of objects in a vertical arrangement. Objects in columns can be aligned left, center or right. In the example below, EAST and US-56 are center aligned in the column arrangement.

Step 1: In OpenRoad SignCAD, pick Place>Arrangement.

Step 2: In the Arrangement dialog, select Type: Column and left-click on the workspace to place the column arrangement.

 

Step 3: Click on Text>Place Text. In the Place Text dialog, select Font: Highway E 2K, Size: 12 and default Color: White. Press the <CapsLock> button, click in the Place Text dialog and type EAST.

Step 4: Left-click on the right edge of the E and drag the mouse left to highlight the E. Select Size: 15 and Text Alignment: Baseline. Press Place Text.

Step 5: Position the text cross-hair over the arrangement box and left-click to place EAST in the column. Close the Place Text dialog.

Step 6: Click on Route Markers>US Route>US Route. In the Place US Route Marker dialog, enter Route Number 56 and select Size 36 from the drop-down menu. Position the cross-hair over the column arrangement. Left-click to place the US-56 shield when the blinking rectangle displays below EAST. Close the Place US Route Marker dialog.

Step 7: Select the column and pick Properties. In the Column Group Properties, verify that Alignment: Center is selected.

Step 8: Window select EAST and the US-56 shield. In the Multiple Objects Properties, click in the Spacing field and select the button with the three dots. Click on the Use Simple Spacing box to de-select it. Set Top and Bottom spacing = 12 and Left and Right spacing = 15. Left-click in the Multiple Objects Properties to accept the spacing changes. 

Step 9: Left-click on the workspace to de-select the elements.

Step 10: Select the Edit Arrangement tool to view the arrangement and alignment lines. The dashed and dotted blue lines show that the column with EAST and the US-56 shield is center and middle aligned. The spacing triangles show the object spacing around each object and what is controlling. Pick the Select tool or any tool to turn off the arrangement and alignment lines.