In AutoCAD, the “Ortho” command is a drawing Command that restricts cursor movement to be orthogonal. It means it constrains the cursor to move only horizontally or vertically relative to the current user coordinate system. This is especially useful for creating straight lines and ensuring precision in the alignment of AutoCAD drawings.
Ortho mode can be combined with other drawing Commands like “Snap” and “Grid” for enhanced precision.
While Ortho mode restricts movement to 0 and 90 degrees, the “Polar Tracking” feature can be used for other specified angles.
What is Ortho Mode in AutoCAD?
In AutoCAD, “ortho” refers to either “orthographic projection” or “orthographic mode.” It is a drafting tool that only allows cursor movement in one of two directions: horizontally or vertically.
By restricting cursor movement to the closest horizontal or vertical axis when “Ortho” mode is activated, it is simpler to draw straight lines and maintain accuracy in the drawing. This can be especially useful when working with intricate drawings that call for exact measurements and angles.
Either press the F8 key on your keyboard or click the Ortho mode icon in the status bar to activate Ortho mode in AutoCAD. The Ortho mode icon is highlighted and the cursor can only move in the horizontal or vertical planes when ortho mode is active.
How to Use the Ortho Command:
Activate Ortho Mode:
Via Keyboard: Press the F8 key to toggle Ortho mode on or off.
Via Command Line: Type ORTHO and press Enter, then type ON or OFF.
Via Status Bar: Click on the “Ortho” button located on the status bar at the bottom of the AutoCAD window. The button appears as a rectangle if Ortho is off and as a filled rectangle if Ortho is on.
Drawing with Ortho Mode On:
When Ortho mode is activated, moving the cursor will only allow it to snap to the nearest 0 or 90 degrees relative to the last point you selected.
This is particularly useful when drawing perfectly horizontal or vertical lines, ensuring accuracy and alignment without manually checking angles.
How to reset the ortho mode in AutoCAD?
To turn off Ortho mode in AutoCAD and reset it to its default setting, you can follow these steps:
Press the F8 key on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can click on the Ortho icon in the status bar to toggle it off.
If you want to permanently reset the Ortho mode, type “OP” in the command line and press Enter to open the Options dialog box.
In the Options dialog box, select the “Drafting” tab.
Under the “AutoSnap Settings” section, click on the “Settings” button.
In the “Drafting Settings” dialog box, click on the “Polar Tracking and PolarSnap” tab.
Uncheck the “Use Polar Tracking” and “Use PolarSnap” options.
Click “OK” to close the “Drafting Settings” dialog box.
Click “OK” again to close the “Options” dialog box.
Once you have completed these steps, the Ortho should be reset to its default setting, and you will be able to move the cursor freely in any direction.
Shortcut key of Ortho mode
In AutoCAD, pressing the F8 key will toggle Ortho on and off. Ortho mode can be activated by pressing the F8 key once, and it can be disabled by pressing it once more. When using AutoCAD, this is a simple and quick way to switch between Ortho mode and free cursor.
The uses and advantages of AutoCAD’s ortho mode include
Limiting cursor movement to the closest horizontal or vertical axis aids in maintaining accuracy and precision while drawing. This is particularly helpful when working with intricate drawings that call for exact measurements and angles.
Removing the need to manually align the cursor with the grid or drawing axis, expedites the drawing process.
When working with engineering or architectural drawings, where precise measurements are essential, it is helpful.
Drawings can be made that are more precise and effective by combining them with other drafting tools like Polar Tracking and Object Snaps.
When dealing with intricate geometries, such as isometric or orthographic projections, it is a crucial tool.
Errors and mistakes that can happen when drawing freehand or without constraints are less likely to occur.
In conclusion, It is a crucial tool for anyone using AutoCAD because it improves productivity, maintains accuracy, and saves time. Thanks for visiting. If you have any queries about AutoCAD please contact us.
