How to Off Ortho in AutoCAD?

Understanding Ortho Mode in AutoCAD

Ortho mode is an essential feature in AutoCAD that restricts cursor movement to horizontal or vertical directions relative to the User Coordinate System (UCS). This functionality is particularly useful for precision in drawings, ensuring that lines remain straight and angles stay consistent. However, there may be times when you need to temporarily disable this setting for more flexibility in your design.

Steps to Turn Off Ortho in AutoCAD

1. Using the Shift Key:

   • If you need to turn off Ortho mode temporarily while working, simply press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard. This override allows you to move freely in any direction without the constraints of Ortho mode. Remember that this method disables direct distance entry, so keep that in mind as you work.
2. Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
   • To toggle Ortho mode on or off entirely, use the keyboard shortcut Fn + F8 on laptops or F8 if your keyboard has dedicated function keys. For Mac users, the shortcut is Cmd + L. This quick toggle enables you to seamlessly switch between modes without accessing menus.

Permanent Disablement of Ortho Mode

If you prefer to disable Ortho mode entirely for the duration of your project, you can do so through the AutoCAD interface:

1. Locate the Status Bar:

   • On the bottom of the AutoCAD interface, find the Status Bar where various drawing aids are displayed.

2. Identify the Ortho Mode Button:

   • Look for the Ortho button, usually represented by a square icon with a horizontal and vertical line. If the button is highlighted (often in blue), it indicates that Ortho mode is currently active.
3. Disable Ortho Mode:
   • Click on the Ortho button to turn it off. The highlight should disappear, indicating that Ortho mode is no longer active.

Adjusting Other Settings Related to Ortho Mode

If your work involves precise angle management, consider configuring additional settings that may affect your drawing experience:

• Angle Snapping:

  1. Right-click on the Object Snap button in the Status Bar, then select Settings.
  2. In the Drafting Settings dialog box, you can modify various snapping options to suit your preferences.
• Polar Tracking:
  1. To access these settings, right-click in the drawing area and select Options.
  2. Navigate to the Drafting tab and review the AutoTrack Settings. Adjust the options for aligning paths as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I turn off Ortho mode for a single command?

   • Yes, by holding the Shift key while executing your command, you can temporarily bypass Ortho mode for that instance.

2. What other modes relate closely to Ortho in AutoCAD?

   • Besides Ortho, Grid Snap and Polar Tracking are significant features that assist in maintaining precision while drafting.
3. How do I know if Ortho mode is on or off?
   • The status bar in AutoCAD provides visual indicators for various modes. Look for the Ortho icon; if it’s active, the icon will be highlighted.