How Do I Get Out of Ortho Mode in AutoCAD?

Are you stuck in Ortho mode in AutoCAD and don’t know how to get out? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the steps to disable Ortho mode and regain control over your drawings.

What is Ortho Mode?

Ortho mode, short for Orthogonal mode, is a feature in AutoCAD that restricts cursor movement to horizontal or vertical directions only. When Ortho mode is enabled, it can be challenging to draw diagonally or at angles other than 90 degrees. This feature is useful for creating precise drawings with straight lines.

Disabling Ortho Mode

If you find yourself in Ortho mode and want to disable it, follow these simple steps:

Method 1: Using the Ribbon

  1. Look for the “Polar Tracking” button on the status bar at the bottom of your AutoCAD window. It looks like a small magnet.
  2. Click on the “Polar Tracking” button once to open the Polar Tracking Settings menu.
  3. In the menu, uncheck the “Ortho” option to turn off Ortho mode.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcut

  1. If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, simply press the F8 key on your keyboard.
  2. This will toggle Ortho mode on and off.

Verifying Ortho Mode Status

To ensure that you have successfully disabled Ortho mode, look for a small square icon with two diagonal lines inside it on the status bar. This icon represents Ortho mode. If it is grayed out or not highlighted, then Ortho mode is turned off.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to disable Ortho mode in AutoCAD, you can freely draw lines at any angle or direction. Remember to check the status bar icon to verify the Ortho mode status. We hope this tutorial has been helpful in resolving your Ortho mode dilemma.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us. Happy designing!