How Do You Type Ø in AutoCAD?

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AutoCAD is a powerful software widely used in the field of architecture, engineering, and design. It offers a plethora of tools and features to enhance productivity and precision.

However, when it comes to typing special characters like Ø (the symbol for diameter), users often find themselves puzzled. In this tutorial, we will explore various methods on how to type Ø in AutoCAD.

Method 1: Using the Character Map

If you are unable to find the Ø symbol on your keyboard or if you prefer a graphical approach, you can use the built-in Character Map utility in Windows.

  1. Open the Start menu and search for “Character Map”.
  2. Click on the Character Map application to open it.
  3. In the Character Map window, locate and select the Ø symbol.
  4. Click on the “Copy” button to copy the symbol to your clipboard.
  5. Switch to AutoCAD and place your cursor where you want to insert the symbol.
  6. Press Ctrl + V or right-click and select “Paste” to insert the symbol into your drawing.

Method 2: Using Alt Codes

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, you can utilize Alt codes to type special characters like Ø directly into AutoCAD.

  1. Ensure that Num Lock is turned on.
  2. Place your cursor where you want to insert the symbol in AutoCAD.
  3. Press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard.
  4. Type “0216” using the numeric keypad (not the numbers at the top of your keyboard).
      5. Note: If you are using a laptop without a numeric keypad, you may need to enable the “Num Lock” function by pressing the “Fn” key and the “Num Lock” key simultaneously.
  5. Release the Alt key.
  6. The Ø symbol should now appear in your drawing.

Method 3: Using AutoCorrect

If you frequently use special characters like Ø in AutoCAD, you can set up an AutoCorrect entry to automatically replace a specific text string with the symbol.

  1. Open AutoCAD and go to the “Application” menu (the big red A in the top-left corner).
  2. Select “Options” from the drop-down menu.
  3. In the Options dialog box, go to the “Files” tab and click on “Support File Search Path”.
  4. In the Support File Search Path dialog box, click on “Add” and navigate to your AutoCAD support file folder (usually located at C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD\Support).
  5. Click “OK” to close all dialog boxes.
  6. Type a unique text string that you want AutoCAD to replace with Ø, such as “/diameter”.
  7. Select the text string and right-click to open the context menu.
      8. Note: You can also access this menu by clicking on the right mouse button while typing in AutoCAD.
  8. Choose “AutoCorrect..” from the context menu.
      9. Note: If this option is not available, make sure you have enabled AutoCorrect by going to Options > User Preferences > Automatic Word Completion > Enable AutoCorrect/AutoComplete checkbox should be checked.
  9. In the AutoCorrect dialog box, enter “Ø” in the “Replace with” field.
  10. Click “Add” and then “OK”.
  11. Type the text string (“/diameter”) in AutoCAD, and it will automatically be replaced with the Ø symbol.

Conclusion

Typing special characters like Ø in AutoCAD may seem challenging at first, but with the help of methods like using the Character Map, Alt codes, or setting up AutoCorrect entries, you can effortlessly incorporate these symbols into your drawings. Experiment with these techniques and find the method that works best for you. Enhance your productivity and precision by mastering this skill in AutoCAD.