Why does Object Snap sometimes stop working correctly in CAD?

[indiancad]

If your object snap is not working properly or it feels like it is missing points, do not worry. In most cases, the problem is very simple.

First, check the system variable called OSMODE.

OSMODE controls which object snap options are turned ON or OFF. For example, it controls snaps like endpoint, midpoint, center, intersection, and others. If the value of OSMODE is changed or set incorrectly, your snaps may not work as expected. You may feel like CAD is not snapping at all or only snapping sometimes.

To check it, just type OSMODE in the command line and press Enter. CAD will show you the current value. If needed, you can change it to enable the snap modes you want.

After setting it correctly, your object snaps should start working normally again.

Have you ever fixed a CAD problem just by changing a system variable? Which one helped you the most?

[CyberAngel]

You can examine your snap settings in the Drafting Settings dialogue box, under the Object Snap tab. The other tabs are useful too. Open this dialogue by typing DSETTINGS at the command prompt. Hint: if you type +DSETTINGS and give it 2 for the Tab Index, it will open at the Object Snap tab.

 

Another way to open this dialogue is by expanding the Snap Mode menu on the status bar (you may need to enable it from the Customization button there). On that same menu you can toggle any of the snap options without going to the dialogue.

 

You may want to keep certain object snaps turned off. With too many active, it can be hard to locate the right point. If you need one of those snaps temporarily, you can override the setting by typing a shortcut, such as PER for Perpendicular or NON for None.

 

Here is an Autodesk video that covers object snaps. There is much more information out there about object snaps and settings.

[BIGAL]

Why not just, saved in a startup lisp. 

(defun C:15 ()(setvar "osmode" 15359))   ; sets all snaps on
(defun C:47 ()(setvar "osmode" 47)(setvar "AUNITS" 0))
(defun C:99 ()(setvar "osmode" 99))
(defun C:8 ()(setvar "osmode" 8))
(defun C:9 ()(setvar "osmode" 9))
(defun C:0 ()(setvar "osmode" 0))

Ok, a little unknown tip is say you type Line you can then type '47 note apostrophe this runs a transparent command inside the Line command, setting the osmode to be used. Or type the number to set your osnaps. In lisp use (setvar 'osmode 47) before executing "do something".