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  4. Get to know Tekla Structures basic working methods
  5. Snap to positions
  6. Snapping aids

Snapping aids

Tekla Structures
2019
Tekla Structures

Snapping aids

In addition to the snap switches and the numeric snapping, you can use some additional methods that help you to pick the correct positions when snapping.

Create a temporary reference point

You can create a temporary reference point to be used as a local origin when snapping in models and drawings. Temporary reference points can be used in combination with other snapping tools, such as snap switches and orthogonal snapping.

  1. Run a command that requires you to pick points.

    For example, start creating a beam.

  2. Pick the start point.

  3. Hold down the Ctrl key and pick a position.

    A green cross indicates that this position is now a temporary reference point.

  4. Repeat step 3 to create as many reference points as needed.
  5. Release the Ctrl key and pick the end point.

    Tekla Structures creates the object between the start point and the end point. For example:

Lock X, Y, or Z coordinate on a line

You can lock the x, y, and z coordinates on a line. This is useful when you need to determine a point to pick and the needed point does not exist on the line. When a coordinate is locked, you can only snap to points in that direction.

  1. Run a command that requires you to pick positions.

    For example, start creating a beam.

  2. Lock a coordinate:
    • To lock the x coordinate, press X.
    • To lock the y coordinate, press Y.
    • To lock the z coordinate, press Z.

    Now you can only snap to points in the chosen direction.

  3. To unlock the coordinate, press the same letter ( X , Y , or Z ) again.

Align objects using a snap grid

A snap grid makes it easier to align objects in a model, because it allows you to snap to positions only at set intervals. Use a snap grid when you pick points using theSnap to any position snap switch.

  1. On the File menu, click Settings > Snap settings.
  2. Define the grid spacing intervals in the Spacing boxes.

    For example, if the spacing of the x coordinate is 500, you are able to snap to positions at intervals of 500 units in the x direction.

  3. If needed, define offsets for the snap grid origin in the Origin boxes.
  4. To activate the snap grid, select the Active (when free snap is on) check box.
  5. Click OK.

    Now when you pick points using theSnap to any position snap switch, you can only snap to positions at set intervals. The snap grid itself is invisible in the model.

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