AutoCAD

How to Turn Off Fill in AutoCAD?

Understanding Fill Mode in AutoCAD

Fill mode is an essential feature in AutoCAD that controls how solid fills, such as hatches and 2D solids, are displayed in your drawings. Turning this feature off can enhance visibility and clarity in your project, especially when working with complex designs.

Steps to Turn Off Fill Mode in AutoCAD

  1. Access Command Line: Start by locating the command line at the bottom of your AutoCAD interface. This is where you will input commands to adjust settings.

  2. Enter the Fill Mode Command: Type FILLMODE into the command line and press Enter. This command brings up the fill mode setting.

  3. Set Fill Mode Value: To disable fill mode, input 0 and press Enter. This action disables the display of solid fills in your current drawing.

  4. Regenerate the Drawing: In order to update the display and see the changes, type REGEN into the command line and hit Enter. This regenerates the drawing and refreshes the visible elements.

  5. Verify the Change: Check your drawing to ensure that the solid fills are no longer visible. If they are still present, recheck the fill mode setting and regenerate the drawing again.

Removing Fill Color from Objects

If you want to not only disable fill mode but also remove fill color from specific objects in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Select Target Objects: Click on the objects or shapes you want to modify in your drawing area.

  2. Open Properties Palette: Right-click on the selected objects and choose “Properties” from the context menu. This action opens the Properties palette where you can make adjustments.

  3. Change Color Setting: In the Properties palette, locate the “Color” field. Click the down arrow to open the color options, allowing you to select the “ByLayer” option or set it to “None” based on your requirement.

  4. Deselect the Objects: Press the Esc key to deselect the objects after making the changes.

Locating Fill Mode Settings

To quickly access fill mode settings, follow these steps:

  1. Access Settings Menu: Navigate to the Settings menu in the AutoCAD interface.

  2. Use Command Shortcut: You can alternatively type FILL or FILLMODE directly into the command bar for quicker access.

  3. Explore Options: The settings provide various options to control display features, including the fill mode.

Handling Selection Issues

If you encounter selection issues or wish to configure selection cycling in AutoCAD, here’s what you can do:

  1. Open Options Menu: Click on the application menu, typically represented by the AutoCAD logo at the top-left corner.

  2. Selection Tab: Select the “Options” from the dropdown and navigate to the “Selection” tab.

  3. Adjust Settings: To stop using the Shift key to add to selections, uncheck the corresponding box. Confirm changes by clicking OK.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the side effects of turning off fill mode in AutoCAD?

Disabling fill mode may improve performance when working with complex drawings, but it will also prevent solid fills from displaying. This may hinder visual understanding of certain designs that rely on color for distinction.

2. Can I turn fill mode on and off quickly?

Yes, you can toggle fill mode quickly by using the FILLMODE command followed by either 0 to turn off or 1 to turn on. Using the command allows for rapid changes to be made without navigating through menus.

3. Why does fill not appear even after settings are adjusted?

If the fill does not appear after enabling it, check if the specific layer containing the fill is turned on and not frozen. Additionally, make sure that the fill settings in the display options are appropriately configured to allow fills to be visible in your current view.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.