How to Make Diameter Symbol in AutoCAD?

Understanding the Diameter Symbol in AutoCAD

The diameter symbol (Ø) is essential in technical drawings, specifically to indicate the diameter of circular features. Accurately incorporating this symbol into your AutoCAD projects is crucial for conveying the necessary information clearly. Below are methods to create the diameter symbol in AutoCAD 2025 efficiently.

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcuts for Diameter Symbol

1. Access Text Commands: Open the text editor in AutoCAD.
2. Use Shortcut Keys:
   • To type a small diameter symbol (ø), press and hold the Control and Shift keys simultaneously, then type a slash (/) followed by the letter ‘o’.
   • For the uppercase diameter symbol (Ø), perform the same steps, but while typing the letter ‘O’, hold down the Shift key.
3. Finalize Input: Release all keys, and you should see the respective diameter symbol in your text.

Method 2: Using the Character Map

1. Finding the Character Map:
   • Click on the Windows Start menu and search for "Character Map."
   • Open the application.
2. Locating the Diameter Symbol:
   • Scroll through the characters or select the font type that matches your AutoCAD text style.
   • Find and select the diameter symbol (Ø or ø).
3. Copying the Symbol:
   • Click "Copy" to place the symbol on your clipboard.
4. Pasting in AutoCAD:
   • Return to your AutoCAD drawing, right-click within the text editor where you want to insert the symbol, and choose "Paste."

Method 3: Using Alt Codes

1. Enable Num Lock: Ensure your numeric keypad is active on your keyboard.
2. Inputting the Diameter Symbol:
   • For the diameter symbol (Ø), hold down the Alt key.
   • While holding it, type 0216 on the numeric keypad.
3. Releasing the Alt Key: After typing the code, release the Alt key to see the diameter symbol appear in your text.

Method 4: Utilizing Unicode Commands

1. Access the Text Editor: Click to edit text where you need the diameter symbol.
2. Entering Unicode:
   • Type the Unicode for your chosen symbol, prefixing it with a backslash.
   • For Ø, you would enter \00D8.
3. Confirming Input: After entering the Unicode, press Enter or click outside the text box to finalize the insertion.

Method 5: Using the AutoCAD Ribbon Panel

1. Open the Ribbon: Navigate to the Ribbon panel at the top of the AutoCAD workspace.
2. Find the Symbol Option:
   • Go to the "Home" tab and locate the "Text" section.
   • Click on "Symbol" or find the "Special Characters" drop-down option.
3. Insert the Diameter Symbol: Select the diameter symbol from the list, and it will be inserted into your drawing where your cursor is positioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I create macros in AutoCAD to insert the diameter symbol?
Yes, you can create a custom macro to automate the insertion of the diameter symbol, which will save time in future projects.

2. Are there any differences in inserting the diameter symbol in various AutoCAD versions?
While the methods for inserting the diameter symbol generally remain the same, specific interface elements or shortcuts may vary slightly between different versions of AutoCAD.

3. How can I ensure that the diameter symbol displays correctly on all devices?
Ensure that the font you are using supports special characters like the diameter symbol. Using standard fonts like Arial or Tahoma can help maintain consistency across devices.