topic Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions in AutoCAD Forum

Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

netaoren — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 22:33:46 GMT

Hi,

Autocad 2025

It's the common problem - my shift key won't toggle ortho mode

I have searched and tried all solutions on this forum:

*Options (>user preferences) settings are fine

*TEMPOVERRIDES is fine

*PICKADD is fine

*Temporary Override Keys on CUI is as it should

*I have checked my keyboard, the key works and deselect by shift key is working just fine.

I prefer not to reinstall the software just for that - so I'm looking for other solutions.

thanks!

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

paullimapa — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 01:51:30 GMT

By default Ortho is toggled with F8. Do you not like that but prefer to use the Shift key which is typically used to toggle capital letters?

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

netaoren — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 08:12:32 GMT

For many years the shift key was used as a temp-mid command-ortho toggle

As long as it held down while a command is in progress - the ortho mode (on/off) is temporerly swithced until the action is finished.

It is no longer working.

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

pendean — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:21:08 GMT

@netaoren wrote:
For many years the shift key was used as a temp-mid command-ortho toggle...

AND it still do that for us in our office in AutoCAD 2025.1 (latest update) in Win10Pro-Win11Pro: did you by chance pick up a new keyboard or laptop when you upgraded to 2025? Or install an add-on or 3rd party tool we don't know about?

You can always backup your customizations then just perform a RESET of the program (reinstall not necessary), test and if works well after you confirm you have 2025.1 installed, reinstall your customizations (if it breaks after that, it's your customizations).

HTH

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

user181 — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:04:07 GMT

Hi @netaoren make sure your variable TEMPOVERRIDES is set to 1

edit: I see in your post you have already checked this.

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

netaoren — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:52:02 GMT

@pendean wrote:
@netaoren wrote:
For many years the shift key was used as a temp-mid command-ortho toggle...
AND it still do that for us in our office in AutoCAD 2025.1 (latest update) in Win10Pro-Win11Pro: did you by chance pick up a new keyboard or laptop when you upgraded to 2025? Or install an add-on or 3rd party tool we don't know about?

You can always backup your customizations then just perform a RESET of the program (reinstall not necessary), test and if works well after you confirm you have 2025.1 installed, reinstall your customizations (if it breaks after that, it's your customizations).

HTH

No changes in keyboard or 3rd party software...

It works fine on my desktop PC. the issue is only on my laptop... it stopped working and I have never figured out what caused it.

I don't think it's a bug... just some odd override i'm not aware of.

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

pendean — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 17:33:40 GMT

@netaoren wrote:
the issue is only on my laptop...

Most laptop keyboard have a toggle button or require the user to take an extra step to activate: take a very clear picture of the entire keyboard and post it here (list your laptop make/model too), someone can help you out then.

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

rafael4AHFJ — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 01:40:16 GMT

the question is very clear. Why take the time to come and push your way of doing things? thumbs down

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

j.palmeL29YX — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 03:49:19 GMT

An old thread, but not yet marked as solved, therefore my comment:

I use this temporarily override rarely, therefore I tested again in 2026.1. - it still works well as expected.

But be aware, it only works while and as long the program is waiting for any coordinate input.

That means :

If ORTHOMODE is 0 and the programm askes for a coordinate input you can activate the ortho mode as long as you press and hold the Shift key.

If ORTHOMODE is 1 and the programm askes for a coordinate input you can deactivate the ortho mode as long as you press and hold the Shift key.

Are you sure you use it correct?

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

netaoren — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:05:16 GMT

yes, I've been using AutoCAD for the past 15 years now. I rarely come across issues I can't find a solution to. This one is the only issue that "got away".

I made sure everything is as it should be, it's still there and no solution.

It's on my secondary computer so I can live with it... but it's just annoying for me mentally wise.

Thanks, and maybe someday I'll figure it out.

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

netaoren — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:09:11 GMT

I know my way in computers... software and hardware.

That's not the issue but i appreciate your effort to help!

My laptop is old Lenovo legion (from around 2020) keys and function toggle etc. are all as should be.

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

pendean — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:37:25 GMT

@netaoren wrote:
I know my way in computers... software and hardware...

Why wait well over a year to reply?

Always remember, no one knows you nor your abilities in public forums, especially if you never mention any steps taken like the ones I offered.

Never forget that. When there is no information, we all default to assuming you need 100% help from all aspects.

Instead of waiting another year... Here are the ways to open a support case with Autodesk if you are on subscription to seek out Autodesk Support's help:
https://www.autodesk.com/support/account/manage/use/support#:~:text=com/plans.-,Contact%20support,-Select%20a%20path

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

netaoren — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 11:33:59 GMT

I have no issue with your reply, and I thanked you for it on my previous reply...
I'm well aware there's no way for people to know that's why I mentioned it.

Anyway the issue still stands. after trying EVERYTHING online.
So, I let it be.

Thanks!

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

pendean — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:54:40 GMT

@netaoren wrote:
...autocad2025...
...Anyway the issue still stands. after trying EVERYTHING online.
So, I let it be.

One thing you did not try: here are the ways to open a support case with Autodesk if you are on subscription to seek out Autodesk Support's help:
https://www.autodesk.com/support/account/manage/use/support#:~:text=com/plans.-,Contact%20support,-Select%20a%20path

And another:

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

manieshkumar.suresh — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:57:56 GMT

To resolve the issue where the Shift key won't toggle ORTHO mode in AutoCAD 2025, you can try the following solutions:

1. Enable Temporary Overrides System Variable:
- Enter `TEMPOVERRIDES` on the command line and set the value to `1`.

2. Redefine the Shortcut Key:
- Enter `CUI` (Custom User Interface) on the command line.
- Expand the 'Keyboard Shortcuts' menu and 'Temporary Override Keys'.
- Select the Shift key under 'Toggles Orthogonal Mode'.
- Redefine the key combination (e.g., SHIFT+Z) and save the changes.

Check out this article - The Shift key does not toggle orthogonal (ORTHO) mode in AutoCAD on some laptops

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

JBerns — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:49:29 GMT

Community,

The SHIFT key to temporarily override Ortho has been working in AutoCAD 2025 until today.
The effected users noticed that two Windows updates (KB5082417 and KB5083769) were installed last night.
One user did not apply the updates automatically, the SHIFT override still works.
After installing the Windows updates, the SHIFT override does not work.
One user uninstalled the KB5083769 update and the SHIFT key override works again.

I hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Jerry

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

benB3UML — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:34:48 GMT

"One user uninstalled the KB5083769 update and the SHIFT key override works again"

I just tried this method and it does work. Nothing else above did except this.

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

pmarrak79 — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:42:14 GMT

I've been having a problem with the "SHIFT" key for a couple of days, right after installing Windows update KB5083769.

I tried several solutions, but to no avail.

After uninstalling Windows update KB5083769, the SHIFT key override started working again.

I've disabled Windows updates for a few weeks. I'll wait for the next update, hoping it doesn't cause any problems.

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

JBerns — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:16:55 GMT

@benB3UML / @pmarrak79 ,

Glad the solution worked for you.

Who would think a Microsoft security update and bug fix would impact in such a way?

Hopefully, Autodesk or Microsoft will have a correction soon.

Feel free to mark as a solution if you think it can benefit others.

Regards,

Jerry

Re: Shift key will not toggle ortho mode - tried all solutions

vicky_akkara — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:16:39 GMT

i found a very weird solution to this , i pressed both the shift keys and it toggled the ortho mode , there is something weird with this windows update going on