Grids and Snapping

Grid Panel
Minor Grid
Grid Snapping
Grid and Guides Menu
Guide Snapping
Align To Grid

Major Grid

The Major Grid is a an array of perpendicular lines drawn at uniform intervals as a drawing aid. The Major grid has a larger interval than the Minor Grid. It may be shown and/or used as snap points for graphics and drawing actions. The grid is usually drawn in a faint color that is visible but doesn't compete with the graphics of the drawing.

The parameters for the Major Grid are presented on a tab view on the Grid Panel which is accessed from the Grids submenu found on the Format main menu. Selecting the "Major" tab on the Grid Panel to access these parameters.

The small view shows an example of the appearance of the grid as determined by panel's selections.

The "Show" check-box is used to turn the Major Grid ON or OFF. If checked the grid is shown, if not checked the grid is not shown. The grid does not need to be shown to use the Snap feature.

The "Snap" check-box is used to turn the snap aspect of the Major Grid ON or OFF. If checked the new object drawn will be forced to the intersections of the grid lines. The snap requirement is also enforced when moving graphics. This snap action will not affect graphics previously drawn or positioned. If you need to perform an immediate "Snap" action on existing graphic(s) use the Snap Graphics to Major menu action.

The numeric parameter "Spacing" determines the spacing for the Major Grid. It is specified in the Units of the drawing. You may change the value by selecting and typing a new value, or use the slider. If Link to Rulers is checked, this value is set automatically and may not be changed. Selecting Link to Rulers check-box will set the value in accordance with the rulers' settings.

The color of the Major Grid may be changed by clicking the Color Well found to the left of the checkboxes. The current color is shown in the small window. Any color may be selected using the color selection panel. Opacity may be used with this color, this may be applicable if the grid is placed above the graphics.

If "Link to Rulers" is selected the minor grids will sequence with the ruler tick stepper. This stepper control is found in the upper left corner where the rulers meet. Use this stepper to select the interval for the tick marks. The stepper sequences through the various tick interval options, like quarters, tenths, or fifths.