# LinuxCNC G17 Plane Select XY

Instructions · `G17` · verification: source checked

G17 is a LinuxCNC G-code that sets the current working plane to XY, which is also the default plane. The selected plane determines the orientation of circular arcs in G2/G3 and the axis used by the canned cycles G81 to G89. The document recommends placing a plane selection command in the preamble of each G-code file.

## Specification

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Language | gcode |
| Code | G17 |
| Group | plane select |
| Syntax | G17 |
| Dialect | LinuxCNC |

## Connected

- Related: [LinuxCNC G02](https://machineschema.com/instruction/gcode-g02.md)

## Study notes

- G17 selects the XY plane; G18 selects ZX and G19 selects YZ.
- G17 is the default plane at power up.
- Planes G17.1 (UV), G18.1 (WU) and G19.1 (VW) do not support arcs; planes 17.1, 18.1 and 19.1 are not currently supported.
- The selected plane affects G2/G3 arc motion and the G81-G89 canned cycles.
- To program a helix in the G17 plane, add a Z word to the G2/G3 arc command.
- G5 cubic spline and G5.1 quadratic spline are errors if the active plane is not G17.
- G41/G42 cutter compensation may be performed when the XY plane or XZ plane is active.

## Sources

1. [G-Codes](https://linuxcnc.org/docs/html/gcode/g-code.html#gcode:g17-g19.1) (accessed 2026-10-26)

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Source page: https://machineschema.com/instruction/gcode-g17  
JSON: https://machineschema.com/instruction/gcode-g17.json  
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite Machine Schema and the original sources.