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AutoCAD Ctrl+i Shortcut :Toggle Coords

If you need a clear, beginner-friendly guide to the CTRL+I shortcut in AutoCAD — what it does, how to use it, why it might not work, and useful alternatives — this article covers everything step‑by‑step. You will learn how to check or remap the shortcut, how to show coordinates using built‑in tools, common problems and fixes, and practical tips to speed up working with coordinates in drawings.

What is the Ctrl+I shortcut?

  • In many AutoCAD setups, Ctrl+I is used as a keyboard shortcut to toggle Coordinate display (often referred to as Toggle Coords). However, this is not guaranteed to be the default behavior in every AutoCAD version or workspace because shortcuts can be customized.
  • The actual effect of Ctrl+I depends on your workspace, profile, or the customization (CUI) file. Some users or companies remap Ctrl+I to other functions, or third‑party add‑ins can override it.
  • Because of this variability, it’s important to know how to verify what Ctrl+I does on your system and how to remap it if needed.
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How to use Ctrl+I (Step by step)

Quick check: press Ctrl+I

  1. Open your drawing.
  2. Press Ctrl+I once.
  3. Watch the status bar (lower right) or the dynamic input tip near the cursor for any change in coordinate display.
    • If it toggles coordinate visibility, you’re done.
    • If nothing happens, follow the verification steps below.

Verify what Ctrl+I is mapped to (CUI method)

  1. Type CUI in the command line and press Enter to open the Customize user interface dialog.
  2. In the left panel expand keyboard shortcuts > Shortcut Keys.
  3. Use the search box or browse the list for an entry with the key combination Ctrl+I.
  4. If an entry exists, select it and see the Command Name in the right panel to identify the mapped action.
  5. To change or add a mapping:
    • Create a new Command in the Commands list (drag a custom command or use the New Command button).
    • Drag that command to Shortcut Keys and set the Key(s) property to Ctrl+I.
    • Click Apply and OK.

Toggle coordinates using the status bar (alternative, no shortcut needed)

  1. Right‑click the Status Bar (bottom-right corner).
  2. Click Coordinates in the pop-up menu to turn the coordinate readout on or off.
  3. When enabled, the status bar continuously displays the current cursor X, Y, Z coordinates.

Show coordinates for a specific point (ID command)

  1. Type ID and press Enter.
  2. Click a point in your drawing.
  3. AutoCAD returns the X, Y, Z coordinates in the command line.

Show coordinates while drawing (Dynamic Input)

  1. Press F12 to toggle Dynamic Input on/off.
  2. With Dynamic Input on, coordinate and command prompts appear near the cursor while you draw or snap to points.
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Alternative commands and methods to show coordinates

  • ID — type ID, click a point; returns point coordinates.
  • DIST — measure distance and angle between two picked points (shows coordinates of picked points when used).
  • Properties palette (Ctrl+1) — select a point object (node, endpoint of a line, etc.) and read coordinates in the Properties panel.
  • LIST — select an object and type LIST to get detailed object data including vertex coordinates for certain objects.
  • Status Bar > Coordinates — enable for continuous readout (recommended for continuous coordinate monitoring).
  • Dynamic Input (F12) — shows temporary input fields at the cursor; useful while drawing.
  • Object snap (OSNAP) and Tracking (F11 / F10) — assists precise coordinate placement visually and numerically.

Why Ctrl+I doesn’t work (common causes) and fixes

  • Ctrl+I not mapped or remapped in CUI

    • Fix: Open CUI and verify or reassign Ctrl+I as described above.

  • Shortcut overridden by third‑party add‑ins or custom macros

    • Fix: Temporarily disable add‑ins or switch to a Default workspace/profile to test. Reassign keys if needed.

  • Workspace or profile differences (e.g., AutoCAD LT vs. full AutoCAD)

    • Fix: Confirm the feature exists in your product and workspace; use status bar toggle or commands (ID, PROPERTIES) if Ctrl+I isn’t supported.

  • Keyboard layout or OS-level shortcuts conflict

    • Fix: Test the key combination in another application. If OS intercepts it (IME, language switchers), change OS shortcut or remap in AutoCAD.

  • Corrupted CUI or user profile

    • Fix: Reset AutoCAD to default settings (use the Reset tool in the Windows Start menu > AutoCAD folder) or import a clean CUI.

  • Remote desktop or virtualization issues

    • Fix: Ensure that the remote client forwards Ctrl key combinations properly; try using the on‑screen keyboard or remap within AutoCAD.

  • Function locked keys / hardware keyboard issue

    • Fix: Test another keyboard; check that Ctrl key physically works (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V).

  • Status bar coordinate display turned off (so toggle seems to do nothing)

    • Fix: Right‑click the status bar and enable Coordinates. Then try Ctrl+I again to see a visible change.
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Tips to work efficiently with coordinates in AutoCAD

  • Keep Dynamic Input (F12) on while drafting to see coordinates and prompts at the cursor.
  • Enable Coordinates on the Status Bar for a continuous readout of current cursor position.
  • Use ID and PROPERTIES (Ctrl+1) to get precise coordinates of existing points or objects.
  • Learn and use OSNAP and object snap tracking (F11) for accurate point acquisition without manually reading coordinates.
  • Create a custom shortcut in CUI if you frequently need a single‑keystroke toggle for coordinate display.
  • Save a clean CUI/profile once you’ve customized keyboard shortcuts so you can restore them easily.

How do I check what command Ctrl+I executes on my AutoCAD?

Open the CUI dialog (type CUI), expand Keyboard Shortcuts > Shortcut Keys, then look for Ctrl+I in the list to see the mapped command or create one.

Can I remap Ctrl+I to another command?

Yes. In CUI, create or select the command you want, then assign Ctrl+I under Shortcut Keys. Apply and save the CUI changes.

What is the fastest way to always see coordinates while moving the cursor?

Enable Coordinates on the Status Bar (right‑click the status bar and turn on Coordinates) and turn on Dynamic Input (F12) for cursor‑proximate readouts.

Why does Ctrl+I type characters or do nothing in my AutoCAD?

This typically indicates a keyboard layout/OS conflict, a missing mapping in CUI, or a third‑party add‑in overriding the shortcut. Test Ctrl key behaviour in other apps, check OS shortcuts, and verify CUI mapping.

Does AutoCAD LT support remapping Ctrl+I in the same way as full AutoCAD?

AutoCAD LT supports basic CUI customization but has some limitations compared to full AutoCAD. If a remap isn’t available, use status bar toggles or built‑in commands (ID, PROPERTIES) as alternatives.

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