Object Snaps
- Last UpdatedOct 22, 2025
- 2 minute read
Aids the positioning of new objects by placing them relative to the geometry of existing objects.
When object snapping is on, if a point is being specified and it is close to the snap point of an existing object, a symbol displays to indicate that the snap point is present.
In the example, a line is being drawn. The orange symbol indicates that the line is intersected with a snap point of an existing object (in this case the endpoint of a diamond, as indicated by a box).
Select the object snap modes to specify the types of snap points that are available.
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Connection |
Snaps to connection points. |
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Endpoint |
Snaps to endpoints of primitives. |
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Midpoint |
Snaps to middle points of primitives. |
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Center |
Snaps to center points (for example, for circles arcs or ellipses). |
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Nearest |
Snaps to the nearest points of primitives. |
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Perpendicular |
Snaps to points of primitives, or their extensions, where the line connecting the point and the previous point is perpendicular to the primitive. |
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Quadrant |
Snaps to points representing quadrants of circles, arcs or ellipses. |
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Tangent |
Snaps to points of primitives where the line connecting the point and the previous point is tangent to the primitive. |
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Extension |
The cursor is attracted by virtual extensions of existing primitives |
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Parallel |
Snaps to points on a virtual line parallel to the indicated primitive. |
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Node |
Snaps to node points (for example, for text objects). |
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Intersection |
Snaps to primitive intersection points. |
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Insertion |
Snaps to insertion points of complex objects. |
A snap selection can be retained between different states of the same operation using the PowerWheel™. For example, it is possible to draw a rectangle that only snaps to object intersections.
To use a single snap type, select the required operation, for example, draw rectangles. Press Shift and simultaneously right-click the drawing canvas. The PowerWheel™ displays the snapping options:
Click More to display additional snapping options
The selected snap option is only available until the operation is finished or None is selected from the PowerWheel™.
Refer to Status Bar and PowerWheel™ for further information.