Snapping to Align Objects

on this page: task summary | activating and placing | tips

There are two kinds of targets you can use to align objects. The Snap Target (yellow arrow), and the Snap Source (green arrow). Use the Snap Target to mark a position in the scene to which you want another object moved or aligned. Use the Snap Source to specify a particular point on the selection to move to the Snap Target. The snap arrows can also be used in the PEP editor to align individual points, edges, and polygons. See Aligning PEPs for details.

Uses for the Snap Target:

Use for the Snap Source:

Task Summary

  1. Activate and place the Snap Target and the Snap Source (if you decide to use it).

  2. Select the object you want to move to the target (click the object). Don't forget this step! If you don't select the object, it won't move to the target. If the Snap Source is activated, it will move to the Snap Target without the object.

  3. Choose Layout > Move Selection to Snap Target or press Ctrl-m to move the selected object to the target. You can also choose one of the other options under Layout; these include Center Snap Target in Selection and Move Selection Center to Snap Target.

  4. If you want, put away the Snap Target and Snap Source by rechoosing Layout > Activate Snap Target / Source or click the middle mouse button over empty space to put away the Snap Target, and Ctrl-click middle over empty space to put away the Snap Source.

Activating and Placing

To activate and place the Snap Target and Snap Source:

  1. Choose Layout > Activate Snap Target or Layout > Activate Snap Source.

    Other ways to place the Snap Target include:

    Other ways to place the Snap Source include: Ctrl-click middle over an object's surface or over its manipulator.

  2. If necessary, reposition the Snap Target or Snap Source by dragging its arrow. If you have trouble getting the Snap Target to follow the cursor, try dragging while pressing the middle mouse button. This ensures that the target remains at the cursor and makes repositioning the target easier.

Tips

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