Using SNAP and GRID. Pros and cons.

[ReMark]

A newly hired engineer has requested that I draw a process piping and instrumention diagram for him using snap and grid with both set to 0.0625. As a habit I studiously try avoiding doing that. It seems restrictive. Any diehard users of this technique out there? Would appreciate some feedback (pro & con).

[Norts]

tbh, i have never used grid and/or snap settings.
it seems like such a 1970's way of drawing imo

[dbroada]

Use it all the time. I have my snap set to 2,5(mm) & grid to 5. It is SO EASY to ensure your items line up and get a nice uniform spacing. It also means if you copy (say) a valve from the left part of a drawing and gauge from the right they will come together without any fiddling. I very rarely use object snap as everything already lines up.

We kept telling our graduate to use snap but he didn't like it. Some of his drawings have just come back that need a little teasing to fit a few extra lines in and we were able to give them to him. He's beginning to wish he had used it - his stretch windows don't select ALL the lines he hoped they would. On zooming in you can see them just missing the frame.

Even for mechanical drawings I will often set my snap but obviously you need to turn it off if the geometry dictates.

[Tiger]

I never use snap and grid.... mostly because I have never used them. I work a lot with XLINE and OSNAPS instead - and I think I can safely say I have never left a drawing where lines don't align that should align....I'm a bit...well, **** about those things...I can sit for hours moving lines 2-3mm to the let just so that I KNOW they are right....

[dbroada]

.... I have never left a drawing where lines don't align that should align....I'm a bit...well, **** about those things...I can sit for hours moving lines 2-3mm to the let just so that I KNOW they are right....Where I don't have to because I use snap. :wink:

[Tiger]

Where I don't have to because I use snap. :wink:

:D that's true. usually I can keep my own drawings tidy so they are no problem. But it's when you get drawings from somwhere else.... and I just can't let it go and just do my bit - I often end up tidying up the entire drawing..

I just noticed i got censored :D but you know the word I'm guessing :wink:

[dbroada]

I assumed it was a Swedish word.

I have to agree about the "somebody elses" drawing though. I can spend hours moving lines, but never by as much as 3mm!

The thing with snap is to use an appropriate snap setting. Too small and it is of little use. Too big and you can't put anything where you want. 2,5mm (my snap) is also my default text height so I tend to MiddleLeft or MiddleRight justify my text and it sits just above the lines. Much of my work is circuit diagrams, block diagrams and a bit of P&ID work and I find drawings are quick to draw, and EASY to modify.

[ReMark]

My personal preference is to forego the combined use of SNAP and GRID and run with Ortho toggled and a bunch of OSNAPS ready to use. Then I just cycle through the OSNAPS to find the appropriate one. Haven't tried Dynamic Blocks yet. Can multiple insertion points be specified for a block?

[Norts]

My personal preference is to forego the combined use of SNAP and GRID and run with Ortho toggled and a bunch of OSNAPS ready to use. Then I just cycle through the OSNAPS to find the appropriate one. Haven't tried Dynamic Blocks yet. Can multiple insertion points be specified for a block?

Dynamic Blocks are great.
Yep, they can have multiple insertion points

[StykFacE]

My personal preference is to forego the combined use of SNAP and GRID and run with Ortho toggled and a bunch of OSNAPS ready to use. Then I just cycle through the OSNAPS to find the appropriate one. Haven't tried Dynamic Blocks yet. Can multiple insertion points be specified for a block?
To continue what Norts said... I have many blocks with multiple insertion points. When you bring in a block, before you seat it in the drawing, you can cycle through the Insertion Points by hitting the Ctrl key. Very handy indeed.... :wink:

[Pocket]

I just use OSNAP and POLAR

Then again Im a neat freak and make sure everything, even arbitrary values go along some sort of polar angle

[dbroada]

looks like it's just me and your new engineer then!

[ReMark]

To Norts and StykFacE a big THANKS! I'll give it a look-see and a try.

dbroada: Don't worry, there is still time for someone else to "fess up". OK folks...true confessions. Tell it all to papa.

[pennylove]

My personal preference is to forego the combined use of SNAP and GRID and run with Ortho toggled and a bunch of OSNAPS ready to use. Then I just cycle through the OSNAPS to find the appropriate one. Haven't tried Dynamic Blocks yet. Can multiple insertion points be specified for a block?

This is how I draw too. I never use grid and snap to it, slows me down.

[iain9876]

:D that's true. usually I can keep my own drawings tidy so they are no problem. But it's when you get drawings from somwhere else.... and I just can't let it go and just do my bit - I often end up tidying up the entire drawing..

I just noticed i got censored :D but you know the word I'm guessing :wink:

Wawaweewa!!!!!

[mhoward_GTC]

ReMark,
I introduce my students to SNAP and GRID, but then I teach them to draw accurately without them. In my program standards, students are not allowed to have these turned on when they submit CAD drawings to be graded. Personally, I hate SNAP and GRID and the only time they are useful is when drawing electrical schematics.

[ReMark]

I'll be sharing all of your responses with this new engineer. Perhaps he'll have a change of heart. He said that when he worked for GE (General Electric) it was part of their standard. He is the only engineer out of six who requested a copy of AutoCAD (I provided him with the LT version).

Update: I did do my first full-blown drawing of a P&ID for him, with SNAP and GRID increments as specified and it took me a lot more time than it normally would. I don't understand how he can work this way. I thought that using CAD is supposed to make one more productive not less productive.

[dbroada]

as I appear to be the only person using snap & grid I'll attach a typical loop drawing. I produce thousands of these (all different) during a year and I find it so easy to put everything in the place I want quickly. It would take me a long time to get the same consistancy without snap.

Obviouslly this is not a P&ID but the few I've done have been drawn using the same settings. For my further education, what do your P&IDs look like?

[StykFacE]

Honestly, I could use snaps and grid on certain things I do, but i'm already so quick at it now it's no use for me to go back (thanks to OTRACK and POLAR that is). for my HVAC duct layout, snap/grid would be of absolutely no use. for my HVAC rooftop units, then it would be very beneficial, except I would always have to adjust settings, and sometimes I wouldn't even get to use it at all, so I just say "bleh" to them altogether. :)

[SLW210]

I just use OSNAP and POLAR

Then again Im a neat freak and make sure everything, even arbitrary values go along some sort of polar angle

Me too. :thumbsup: