Snapping to Objects on the Canvas

The information and procedures shown below describe how to configure and run the Snap function. This function allows you to snap to existing objects on the canvas in eCADSTAR PCB Editor when running a command (2D View mode only).

Snapping Position

The positions that are snapped to are shown below for each type of object.

Object	Snapping Position
Line	Vertices. Middle point of each segment. Start, end, middle and center points of arcs (tangent arcs are recognized as arcs).
Area fill Area Meshplane Rule area Board block Routing area	Vertices of outlines and cutouts. Middle point of each segment. Start, end, middle and center points of arcs (tangent arcs are recognized as arcs).
Pad	Pad reference point.
Padstack	Padstack reference point.
Round hole Slot hole Hierarchy connector	Center point.
Character Component symbol	Justification.
Component	Component reference point.

Icon Displayed for each Snapping Position

The icon that is displayed for each snapping position is displayed below.

Snapping Position	Displayed Icon
Vertex, start and end point of arc. Pad reference point. Padstack reference point. Hole. Center point of hierarchy connector, and justification.	Flag (filled)
Middle point of segment and arc.	Flag (not filled)
Center point of arc and tangent arc.	Circle
Intersection.	"X"
Component reference point.	"+"

Changing the Scope of Search

The Ctrl + and Ctrl - keys allow you to change the scope when searching for a location to snap to. The size of the search icon is changed accordingly.

Key entry	Description
Ctrl +	Expands the scope of the search.
Ctrl -	Narrows the scope of the search.

Configuring Snap Settings

1. On the status bar, click the Snap split button and select Snap Settings. Alternatively, click Design > Snap > Snap split button > Snap Settings on the ribbon. The Design Settings dialog is displayed.
2. In the Design Settings dialog, configure the Snap function, as follows.
3. In the Arc group, set the snapping position for arcs.
4. In the Target Layer group, set the layer for which the Snap function applies.
5. In the Objects group, select the type of object for which the Snap function applies.

Snapping to a Position on the Canvas

1. Toggle on the Snap function by clicking on the status bar, or clicking Design > Snap > Snap on the eCADSTAR PCB Editor ribbon. You can also toggle this function from the assist menu of the Move Origin command.
2. On the ribbon, launch a command to create an object on the canvas.
3. To restrict the Snap function to just the active layer, select Home > Select split button >Select Only Active Layer on the eCADSTAR PCB Editor ribbon, or toggle on on the status bar.
4. When you point the cursor at a relevant object on the canvas, it snaps to the required position. Click the object to enter the identified coordinates.
5. Press the J key to switch the coordinates to other candidates in the trap area.
6. Change the scope for searching for snapping points as follows.
7. Pressing Ctrl + expands the scope of the search.
8. Pressing Ctrl - narrows the scope of the search.