11.3.3 Object Snap

Object Snap

The object snap facilitates the CAD-like modeling when defining lines. In addition to the nodes, several snap points can be activated along the lines.

The settings for the object snap are defined in the Work Plane dialog box. To open it, select the menu option

• Tools → Work Plane, Grid/Snap, Object Snap, Guidelines

or use the toolbar button shown on the left (see Figure 11.29).

The Object Snap dialog tab manages the different snap functions.

The [OSNAP] button must be active in the status bar if you want to use the functions of the object snap.

When defining a new line, existing nodes are snapped to. Snap points are symbolized by squares.

When drawing a line, the pointer snaps to the perpendicular point when you are near it. The snap point is characterized by a perpendicular symbol.

This function creates the tangent on a circular arc. When drawing a line, the pointer snaps to the tangent point when you are near it. The snap point is characterized by a tangent symbol.

When you move the pointer near the center (middle) of a line, it snaps to it. The center symbol appears on the snap point.

The pointer snaps to the intersection point of two crossing lines that have no common node. The snap point is indicated by the intersection symbol shown on the left.

Use this function to place parallel lines: Define the start node of the new line and then move the pointer over a template line. If you now move the pointer near a possible end node of the new line so that it is parallel to the template, the parallel symbol shown on the left appears on both lines.

In the Object Snap dialog tab of the Work Plane dialog box, you can enter a number of n line divisions. When you move the pointer along a line, it snaps to the partition points. On the pointer, the partition is displayed as a fraction.

In the Object Snap dialog tab of the Work Plane dialog box, you can enter a distance d for dividing a line. When you move the pointer over a line, it snaps at the defined distance from the line start and end. The distance symbol appears on the pointer.

When you move the pointer near the intersection point of two guide lines (see Chapter 11.3.7), it snaps to it. The intersection symbol appears on the snap point.

Use this snap function to place nodes at intersection points of background layers (see Chapter 11.3.7). The intersection symbol appears on the snap point.

Use this snap function to place objects into the intersection points of a line grid (see Chapter 11.3.8).