Grid Snapping

The snap and reference grids assist with precise drawing on both design and sheet layers, as described in Snap and Reference Grids.

When snap to grid is on, the SmartCursor snaps to set points on the snap grid. For example, if the grid is set to 1”, as the cursor moves over the grid, it automatically “catches” every inch. When you create a line (if no other snapping is active) the line’s first and last point will lie on the snap grid. Snap to grid is the only type of snapping that does not provide any sort of visual cues. If snap to grid is on, the cursor is always on the grid, unless other snaps are also selected which override snap to grid.

When snap to grid is on, the working plane displays with “dots.” The dots do not display for working planes when snap to grid is off. See Appearance of the Planes.

To set grid snapping:

1. Select Tools > SmartCursor Settings, or double-click the Snap to Grid tool in the Snapping palette.

The SmartCursor Settings dialog box opens. From the Grid tab, specify the snap and reference grid settings.

Click to show/hide the parameters.

Parameter	Description
Snap Grid	The grid that aligns (snaps) objects during drawing and editing, when Snap to Grid is active
Symmetrical	Select to constrain the Y setting to be the same as the X setting, resulting in a symmetrical grid (this setting is selected by default)
X and Y	Sets the grid dimensions in the X and Y directions; the Y setting appears dimmed if Symmetrical is selected
Reference Grid	The visible grid used for visually aligning objects during drawing and editing
Symmetrical	Select to constrain the Y setting to be the same as the X setting, resulting in a symmetrical grid (this setting is selected by default)
X and Y	Sets the grid dimensions in the X and Y direction; the Y setting appears dimmed if Symmetrical is selected
Grid Options	Sets how the reference grid behaves on screen and when printing
Show Grids	Displays the reference grid when possible (even with this option selected, the reference grid may not display depending on the zoom factor); also displays the active layer plane grid in 3D views. This setting is selected by default.
Print Grid	Prints the reference grid on both design layers and sheet layers
3D Grid Axes
Show 3D Z Axis	Shows the Z axis for working planes (this setting is selected by default)
Show 3D Axis Labels	Shows labels for each axis in the active layer plane and working plane

2. Click OK.

3. To activate snapping to the snap grid, click the Snap to Grid tool from the Snapping palette.

Click here for a video tip about this topic (internet access required).

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Snap and Reference Grids

SmartCursor Cues

Setting Snapping Parameters

Drawing with Snapping

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