How to Turn Off UCS in AutoCAD 2018?

Understanding UCS in AutoCAD

AutoCAD uses a coordinate system for 3D modeling known as the User Coordinate System (UCS). This allows users to define the coordinate system according to the needs of their design. However, you might find it necessary to disable the UCS icon for various reasons, such as decluttering your workspace.

Steps to Turn Off UCS in AutoCAD 2025

1. Accessing the Command Prompt

   • Start by opening AutoCAD 2025 on your computer.
   • Look for the Command prompt, usually situated at the bottom of the application window.

2. Entering the Command

   • Once the Command prompt is active, type UCSICON and hit Enter. This command will directly influence the visibility settings of the UCS icon.

3. Choosing the State

   • After entering the command, the system will prompt you to choose an option. Type OFF to disable the UCS icon and press Enter again. This will immediately turn off the UCS icon from the screen.

4. Confirming the Changes

   • If you want to ensure that the UCS icon is indeed turned off, you can navigate around your workspace. The absence of the UCS icon indicates that it has been successfully disabled.

Toggling UCS in Viewports

AutoCAD allows you to control the appearance of the UCS icon in specific viewports or globally:

• For a Single Viewport:

  • Click on the viewport to activate it, then follow the steps above to turn off the UCS icon specifically for this viewport.

• For All Viewports:

  • Follow the same procedure while ensuring no specific viewport is active, and the UCS icon will be disabled across the entire drawing.

Additional UCS Management Actions

• To Turn the UCS Icon Back On:
  Similarly to the steps to turn it off, access the Command prompt, type UCSICON, and this time enter ON. This will reactivate the UCS icon.

• Resetting the UCS:
  If you find the UCS has been altered or misplaced, you can reset it to the World coordinate system by typing UCS, selecting the World option, and then entering PLAN followed by World.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between UCS and WCS in AutoCAD?
UCS refers to the User Coordinate System established by users to facilitate design work, while WCS is the World Coordinate System that serves as the default coordinate reference in AutoCAD. Changing UCS does not affect the WCS.

2. How can I access different UCS settings?
You can access UCS settings via the Ribbon menus or by entering commands like UCS directly into the Command prompt, allowing you to set or modify coordinates as needed.

3. Can I configure UCS settings for specific layers in AutoCAD?
While UCS settings apply globally or to specific viewports, layer properties such as locking or unlocking can be managed separately. Adjustments to UCS settings affect how objects within layers are displayed but do not change layer attributes.