AutoCAD

How to Turn Off Grid in AutoCAD 2016?

Understanding Grid Lines in AutoCAD

Grid lines in AutoCAD provide a helpful framework for aligning objects and navigating your workspace. However, there are times when you may want to disable these lines for a clearer view of your drawing. Here’s how to turn off grid lines in AutoCAD 2025.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Disable Grid Lines

  1. Access the Status Bar

    • Locate the Status Bar at the bottom of your AutoCAD workspace. Here you will find various display options.
  2. Toggle Grid Display

    • Right-click on the ‘Grid Display’ icon, which looks like a grid.
    • From the context menu, you’ll see options related to grid settings. Simply click to toggle the grid off. A check mark will appear next to the command name when the grid is active.
  3. Keyboard Shortcut Method

    • Alternatively, pressing the F7 function key will instantly turn off the grid lines. This is a quick way to toggle the grid display without navigating through menus.
  4. Using the Command Line

    • Type GRID into the command line and hit Enter. After that, input a value of 0 to deactivate the grid.
    • Press Enter again to confirm the change.
  5. Toggle Snap Mode
    • Snap Mode can also influence the appearance of grid lines. Right-click on the Snap Mode button in the Status Bar to toggle it on or off. This may sometimes affect how the grid is displayed, so make sure Snap is set according to your needs.

Turning Off Grid Display Beyond Limits

If your grid appears beyond your current drawing limits, you might want to hide it entirely. Here’s how you can achieve this:

  1. Setting Drawing Limits

    • First, go to the Command Line and type LIMITS, then press Enter.
    • Specify the lower-left corner by typing 0,0 and pressing Enter.
    • For the upper-right corner, you can specify coordinates according to your drawing size.
  2. Adjust Grid Display Settings
    • After setting the limits, type GRIDDISPLAY into the Command Line and enter 0 to turn off the grid display.

Hiding Grid Lines in Viewports

When working within a specific viewport, sometimes it is necessary to hide the grid lines. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Activate the Viewport

    • Double-click inside the viewport where you wish to remove the grid lines.
  2. Disable the Grid
    • Press F7 to toggle off the grid lines specifically for that viewport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the advantages of using grid lines in AutoCAD?
Grid lines help in aligning objects and measuring distances between elements, providing a reference that can enhance accuracy in your designs.

2. Can I customize the grid spacing in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can customize the grid spacing by going to the Drafting Settings. From there, you can specify the desired spacing for horizontal and vertical grids.

3. What should I do if grid lines still show after toggling them off?
Make sure to check your drawing limits and verify that the Snap Mode is turned off. If problems persist, restarting AutoCAD may resolve display issues.

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.