Grid & Snapping
Use the grid, snapping, and rulers to create precise, well-organized diagrams. All three are toggled with buttons in the window toolbar.
Showing the Grid
Click Show Grid in the toolbar to show or hide the grid on the canvas. The grid spacing is 20 points.
Snap to Grid
Click Snap to Grid in the toolbar to turn snapping on or off. With snapping on:
- Items you move snap to grid positions
- Points you place with the line drawing tools snap to the grid
- Rotating an item snaps to 15° steps
Rulers and Guides
Click Show Rulers in the toolbar to show rulers along the top and left of the canvas. Drag from a ruler onto the canvas to create a guide line. Guides are listed in the Inspector's Document tab → Layers section.
Grid vs Smart Guides
| Feature | Grid | Smart Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Visual reference | Always visible when on | Appears while dragging |
| Alignment basis | Fixed 20-point intervals | Other items |
| Best for | Consistent spacing | Relative alignment |
Both can be on at the same time. See Smart Guides.
Precise Positioning
For exact coordinates, select an item and type X, Y, width, and height in the Inspector's Arrange tab → Geometry section.
Tips
- Start with snap on before creating a diagram for consistent alignment
- Use the grid for spacing — grid snapping keeps gaps between elements equal
- Use Align and Distribute for items that are already placed — see Alignment