2004

238 | Chapter 15 Use Precision Tools
Restrict Cursor Movement
Several tools are available that you can use to restrict or lock the movement
of your cursor.
Adjust Grid and Grid Snap
The grid is a rectangular pattern of dots that extends over the area you specify
as the drawing limits. Using the grid is similar to placing a sheet of grid paper
under a drawing. The grid helps you align objects and visualize the distances
between them. The grid is not plotted. If you zoom in or out of your drawing,
you may need to adjust grid spacing to be more appropriate for the new
magnification.
Snap mode restricts the movement of the crosshairs to intervals that you
define. When Snap mode is on, the cursor seems to adhere, or "snap," to an
invisible rectangular grid. Snap is useful for specifying precise points with the
arrow keys or the pointing device.
Change Grid and Snap Spacing
As you work, you can turn Grid and Snap mode on and off, and you can
change the grid and snap spacing.
Snap spacing does not have to match grid spacing. For example, you might
set a wide grid spacing to be used as a reference but maintain a closer snap
spacing for accuracy in specifying points.
Change the Snap Angle and Base Point
If you need to draw along a specific alignment or angle, you can change the
snap angle. This rotation realigns the crosshairs on the screen to match the
new angle. In the following example, the snap angle is adjusted to match the
angle of the anchor bracket.
When you set the snap angle, the grid rotation also changes.
default snap angle - 0 degrees rotated snap angle - 30 degrees