Snapping

Computer-Aided Design Means Problem Solving
Before we discuss what snapping is, let's take a simple example. Let's say you want to draw a threaded rod, with all of the details shown. It's a terribly difficult thing to do.

Drawing a thread solves a problem.

But if you had a tool that would draw the thread with a simple movement of your hand, it would be no more difficult than drawing a line. All the work would be done for you. The tool did the work. The tool solved your problem.

This is the essence of computer-aided design--or 'CAD' as it's usually called. The program helps you so that you can focus on your design. The computer aids you and solves your problems.

Snapping Means Finding Locations in the Drawing
So let's say you have a circle and a line in a drawing, and you want to draw a line from the center of the circle to one end of the line.

Snapping finds the center of the circle and the end of the line.

Watch in slow motion how PowerCADD works. And watch the Dynamic Snap Indicator at the top of the drawing window.

Center snap indication

As you move the drawing cursor close to the center of the circle, the 'C' in the Dynamic Snap Indicator lights up. This means PowerCADD has found the center of the circle for you. This is a 'center snap', and it's indicated by the 'C' in the Dynamic Snap Indicator. When you click to begin the line, the center of the circle will be used as the starting point of the line. It found the center for you.

Vertex snap indication

Then, as you draw the line, notice that as you move the cursor close to the end of the line, the 'V' in the Dynamic Snap Indicator lights up. This means PowerCADD has found the end of the line for you. This is a 'vertex snap', and it's indicated by the 'V' in the Dynamic Snap Indicator. When you release the mouse button to complete the line, this point will be used as the end point of your new line. It found the end of the line for you.

Notice that it found both of the points that you were looking for, and it did it automatically, without any effort on your part. It is elegantly simple and once you begin using it, you won't work without it again!

Now, let's see how you can ask for a particular snap....

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