AutoCAD

How To Turn Off Isoplane In AutoCAD 2018?

Understanding Isoplane in AutoCAD

When working with isometric drawings in AutoCAD, the Isoplane setting becomes crucial. It enables users to draw lines at specific angles required for creating three-dimensional representations. However, there may be times when you need to turn off Isoplane to revert to standard drafting. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to turn off Isoplane in AutoCAD 2025.

Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Off Isoplane

  1. Open Your Drawing: Start AutoCAD 2025 and load the drawing file in which you want to disable Isoplane mode.

  2. Access the Dynamic Input: First, ensure that Dynamic Input is activated. This can be essential for toggling various settings. Look at the status bar at the bottom of the screen and check if the Dynamic Input icon is highlighted. If it’s turned off, you can press the F12 key to enable it.

  3. Toggle Isoplane: To deactivate Isoplane mode, you have a few options:

    • Using the F5 Key: Simply press the F5 key on your keyboard. This key quickly toggles between the three Isoplanes available (top, right, left) and can also turn off Isoplane when cycled repeatedly.
    • Using Command Line: Alternatively, you can type the command ISODRAFT in the command line and press Enter. This command opens the Isodraft settings where you can turn off isometric drafting.
  4. Confirm the Change: After pressing F5 or using the command line, check the status bar. It should indicate that isometric drafting is no longer active.

  5. Test Your Drawing Environment: To ensure that Isoplane is turned off, try drawing a line. You should be able to draw without the constraints of isometric angles.

Additional Methods for Disabling Isoplane

  • Using the Status Bar: In newer versions of AutoCAD, the status bar includes an Isoplane icon. Click it to switch the Isoplane settings quickly. If the icon is highlighted, it indicates that Isoplane is on.

  • Keyboard Shortcuts: For those who prefer keyboard shortcuts, the combination Ctrl + E also provides quick access for toggling between different isoplanes and can turn off the isometric drafting mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What happens when I turn off Isoplane in AutoCAD?
    Turning off Isoplane allows you to draw standard two-dimensional lines and shapes without the constraints of isometric angles.

  2. Can I easily switch back to Isoplane after turning it off?
    Yes, you can quickly reactivate Isoplane by pressing the F5 key or using the ISODRAFT command in the command line.

  3. Is there a visual indicator when Isoplane is active or inactive?
    Yes, the status bar in AutoCAD provides visual indicators. A highlighted Isoplane icon signals that isometric drafting is active. If it’s greyed out, Isoplane is off.

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.