How to Turn Off 3D Mode in AutoCAD?

Understanding 3D Mode in AutoCAD

3D mode in AutoCAD allows users to create and manipulate three-dimensional models. However, there are situations where users might need to switch back to a 2D workspace for drafting or other purposes. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to turn off 3D mode in AutoCAD, particularly for the 2025 version.

Accessing the ViewCube

The ViewCube is a navigation tool that helps manage 3D views. To toggle it off:

1. Navigate to the View tab on the ribbon.
2. Go to the Viewport Tools panel.
3. Find and click on the View Cube option to toggle it off.

Alternatively, you can use a command:

1. Type NAVVCUBE in the command line.
2. Press Enter.
3. Type Off and hit Enter again.

This will disable the ViewCube from appearing during your session.

Switching to 2D Mode

To fully revert to a 2D interface:

1. Click on the Workspace drop-down menu located on the Quick Access toolbar.
2. Select 2D Drafting from the available workspace options. This action will reshape your environment to focus on two-dimensional drafting tasks.

Disabling the 3D UCS Icon

If you’re looking to turn off the 3D User Coordinate System (UCS) icon, follow these steps:

1. Go to the View tab.
2. Access the Viewport Tools panel and select UCS Icon.
3. Alternatively, input UCSICON in the command line.
4. Press Enter, then type OFF and confirm by pressing Enter again.

Turning Off WCS Display

To hide the World Coordinate System (WCS):

1. Again, go to the View tab.
2. Click on Viewport Tools and then on View Cube.
3. Use the command line method: type NAVVCUBE, press Enter, and type Off, then hit Enter.

Converting 3D Objects to 2D

If you want to transform any existing 3D models back into a 2D format:

1. Ensure you’re in a 2D workspace.
2. Use the Flatten command to convert your 3D model to a 2D representation. This command will project all selected elements onto the current plane.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I easily switch between 2D and 3D mode in AutoCAD?
Yes, switching between modes is seamless through the workspace dropdown in the Quick Access toolbar.

2. Are there tools specifically designed for 3D modeling in AutoCAD?
Yes, AutoCAD provides several 3D commands like 3DORBIT, 3DROTATE, and BOX to facilitate 3D modeling.

3. What do I do if the ViewCube still appears after trying to turn it off?
If the ViewCube does not turn off, ensure that you have entered the command correctly, and try restarting AutoCAD to refresh the settings.