Objects creation and modification	Using Precision Tools
Using the object snaps
Overview     Operations

One can use the object snaps to specify precise locations on objects

For example, it is possible to use an object snap to draw a line to the center of a circle or to the midpoint of a polyline segment.

It is possible to specify an object snap whenever you are prompted to specify a point.

By default, a marker and a tooltip are displayed when you move the cursor over an object snap location on an object. For example, if the snap is activated on the midpoint of the object and the cursor is shifted near the midpoint of a side of a rectangle, it will be easy to draw the midline.

To display a list of the object snaps and preset them, go to

tools Snaps Snaps Manager

Specifying an object snap

To specify an object snap at a prompt for a point, it is possible :

1. 1) To right -click to display the short-cuts menu Object Snap.
2. Use the menu
   • Tools Snaps Object Snaps.
3. 2) To click on an object snap button on the Object Snap toolbar

Using the object snaps

It is possible to specify one or more running object snaps .If several running object snaps are on, more than one object snap may be eligible at a given location. Slightly move the cursor to look at the various possibilities before specifying the location.

Using the menu   Tools Snaps Snaps manager  it is possible to choose to turn on/off at the same time several snap points of the same type.

Click on the OSNAP button on the status bar to turn on/off the object snaps

Types of object snaps

A brief description:

• End Point: it identifies the extreme points of objects (e.g. the first and last point of a polyline).
• Vertex: it identifies all the vertexes of the object
• Mid Point: it identifies the midpoint of a segment in an object.
• Center: it identifies the center of circles, arcs, ellipses and arcs of ellipses
• Node: it identifies the object points 
• Quadrant: it identifies the points set at 0,90.180 and 270 degrees on circles, arcs, ellipses and arcs of ellipses
• Intersection: it identifies the intersection of the two last elements on which the mouse has rested.
• Extension: it allows to intercept the natural projection of other objects. Stop with the cursor on the chosen object and then slowly move over the extremity of the object to be projected: an outlined projection and its nearest snap will be displayed.
• Insertion: it display the point of insertion of blocks
• Perpendicular: it shows the perpendicular from a previous point to a point on the selected object (if existing). Deferred Perpendicular snap mode is automatically turned on when the object you are drawing requires that you complete more than one perpendicular snap. You can use a line, arc, circle, polyline, ray, xline, multiline and other curves as an object from which to draw a perpendicular line. You can use Deferred Perpendicular to draw perpendicular lines between such objects. When the aperture box passes over a Deferred Perpendicular snap point, an AutoSnap tooltip and marker are displayed
• Tangent: it shows the tangent from a previous point to a point on the selected object (if existing). Deferred Tangent snap mode is automatically turned on when the object you are drawing requires that you complete more than one tangent snap. For example, you can use Deferred Tangent to draw a line that is tangent to two arcs, polyline arcs, circles and other curves. When the aperture box passes over a Deferred Tangent snap point, a marker and an AutoSnap tooltip are displayed.
• Nearest: it indicates the nearest point to the object under the cursor.
• Extended intersection: it identifies the intersection between the last two objects on which the cursor rested, including the extensions.
• Extended self-intersection: as for the previous one, but also including an object's self-intersections (e.g. open polylines etc.).
• Parallel: allows to draw a snap line parallel to the identified object, after leaving on it the cursor for over 1 second.