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Temporarily override object snap settings

Object snap settings let you quickly choose geometric points on an object. For example, you can set up a running (ongoing) Endpoint object snap (osnap, for short), so that whenever you get near the endpoint of an object, you can snap to it.

But sometimes, object snaps get in the way, especially if you want to specify a point near, but not on, an object snap. Temporary overrides are very helpful, because you can turn off the running osnap just for a second, while you finish your task.

Temporary overrides require you to press and hold a key, or key combination. As long as you hold down the keys, the override works. As soon as you release the keys, your running osnaps are back again. Note that some of the overrides turn on an object snap, some turn it off, and others toggle it.

I find the first one, which toggles object snap mode, most useful.

Here are the temporary overrides:

  • Toggle object snap mode: Shift+A or Shift+ ‘ (apostrophe)
  • Turn on object snap mode: Shift+S or Shift+; (semicolon)
  • Turn off object snap & object tracking: Shift+D or Shift+L
  • Endpoint osnap: Shift+E or Shift+P
  • Midpoint osnap: Shift+V or Shift+M
  • Center osnap: Shift+C or Shift+ , (comma)
  • Toggle ortho mode: Shift
  • Toggle polar mode: Shift+X or Shift+ . (period)
  • Toggle object snap tracking mode: Shift+Q or Shift+ ] (close square bracket)

Note that each override has a left-handed and a right-handed option. If you use your right hand for the mouse (as I do, even though I’m left-handed), use the first option.

Print these out and attach them to the wall or a nearby bulletin board!

Ellen Finkelstein

9 comments to Temporarily override object snap settings

  • Eric

    In 2010 I have working tempoverride keys, SHIFT+E etc. but in 2012 it does not work in either installation of of which the migration was used and the other was a new install on a new computer. I have checked the sysvar for tempoverrride and it is OK. Any one have experience with this before?

  • Orion

    I am using ACAD Electrical 2013, and I can’t get the Keystroke combinations to anything other than place non-functioning characters on the command line. I work with mouse clicks 99+% of the time. I am just now trying to learn keyboard shortcuts, which I am learning can speed up the drawing process. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank You

  • Ellen

    Since I’m not familiar with AutoCAD Electrical, I suggest trying the discussion group at autodesk.com. Click the Community link.

  • Jim

    Those sound sort of complicated. I just hit F3 to turn off the snap for just a moment.
    Very easy and you don’t have to remember anything…Jim

  • Actually, the only one I know by heart is Shift + A — it’s pretty easy to remember and I don’t have to turn anything back on afterward.

  • Hans Graveman

    You can use, Hold the Shift button and rightclick the mouse button to choose all the osnap options from a screen menu. Or to toggle Ctrl and F

    Hans

  • nijil

    not working this short cut in autocad 2011 mechanical !

  • Maris

    This happens to me sometimes … using autocad lt 13 … the dimensioning works as it should for a time, then the dimensioning cursor, when starting a new dimension, jumps to the top of the screen and a little arrow pops up, which is used to try and pick a point for the start of the dimension. Then dimension ‘continue’ goes strange too. Any answers as to why this happens?
    Also … some xrefed drawings come in at a 0.01 rotation… very frustrating and course of stairstepping in lines.

  • Adam

    My ortho suspend by pressing the shift key suddenly stopped working correctly. Now I can still suspend ortho mode, but if moving or drawing an object, once I click shift, I cannot left-click to place the object or complete the draw action. Any ideas on how to correct this?

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