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AutoCAD Self-paced Learning Modules
®

AutoCAD 2D
Module 8
Object Snap

Learning Outcomes:
When you have completed this module, you will be able to:

1. Describe object snap, AutoSnap, manual object snap modes, and the object snap
modes for a line, circle, and an arc.
2. Describe and apply the OSNAP command to set the object snap modes, how to enable
and disable object snap, and use object snap to complete drawings.

Object Snap
Object snap allows you to immediately locate and attach to a predefined snap location(s) on an
existing object in the drawing. All AutoCAD objects have at least one object snap location and
you will learn them all as you work your way through the AutoCAD Modules. In this module,
the objects line, circle, and arc are addressed.
Using object snap allows you to draw quickly and accurately using existing geometry in the
drawing. You do this without having to know the coordinates of those objects. Object snap is
one of the most important features in any CAD system.
Study Figure 8-1, 8-2, and 8-3, they show the object snap modes for a line, circle and an arc.
Notice how a line has 3 locations you can attach to while circles and arcs have 5 each. When
requested, AutoCAD will find the exact locations on existing objects.

Object Snap Modes for a Circle

Mode Abbreviations Icon Marker The AutoCAD Object

Center Cen

Quadrant Quad

Figure 8-1
Object Snap Modes for a Circle

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Object Snap Modes for an Arc

Mode Abbreviations Icon Marker The AutoCAD Object
Endpoint End

Midpoint Mid

Center Cen

Quadrant Quad

Figure 8-2
Object Snap Modes for an Arc

Object Snap Modes for a Line

Mode Abbreviations Icon Marker The AutoCAD Object

Endpoint End

Midpoint Mid

Figure 8-3
Object Snap Modes for a Line

AutoCAD Command: OSNAP

The OSNAP command is used to set the object snap mode
defaults.

Shortcut: OS

AutoSnap
AutoSnap is a visual aid to help you see and use object snap modes more efficiently. It allows
you to set the object snap modes you want AutoSnap to find. It can be enabled or disabled at
anytime you choose. AutoSnap displays a marker and a tool tip when you move your cursor
over a object snap location that has been set to be found within the command.

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Geometry Lesson
Finding the Center of a Square or Rectangle
Here are two methods to easily and accurately find the center of a
square or a rectangle without knowing their size or doing any math.

Method 1

Step 1: Draw a construction line between any two diagonal corners

by snapping to the endpoints.

Step 2: The midpoint of the construction line you inserted in Step 1

is the center of the square or rectangle.

Step 3: In this step, a circle is inserted at the midpoint of the line.

The circle is exactly in the center of the square or rectangle.

Method 2

Step 1: Draw a line between the midpoints of two opposite sides

of the rectangle or square.

Step 2: Draw another line between the midpoint of the other

opposite sides of the rectangle or square

Step 3: The midpoint of either line and the intersection of the two
lines is the center of the rectangle or square. One line
would have been enough to find the center but quite often
you need a center line in both directions.

The function key F3 toggles the AutoSnap feature off and on. Although
there are other ways to do this, try to get into the habit of using F3 as it will
greatly improve your drawing speed.

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Using Osnap
Step 1 Start a new drawing using the template Module Template A.
Step 2 Save and name the drawing
AutoCAD 2D Workalong 08-1.
Step 3 Create layer Object and Construction as
shown in Figure Step 3.
Step 4 Move the cursor on the OSNAP icon in the
status bar. Right click the mouse and in the right- Figure Step 3
click menu, click Settings as shown in Figure
Step 4.

Figure Step 4
Step 5 This will open
the Drafting Settings
dialogue box as shown
in Figure Step 5. Enable
the Object Snap tab and
the Object Snap modes
box, enable the modes
to match Figure Step 5.
Click OK to close the
dialogue box.

Step 6 Enable osnap

mode by pressing F3. Figure Step 5
Notice how the OSNAP item in the status bar
will enable as shown in Figure Step 6A.
Press F3 again and note how osnap mode is
disabled as shown in Figure Step 6B. Figure Step 6A

...continued on page 8-5 Figure Step 6B

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Using Osnap - Continued

Step 7 Set layer Construction as

the current layer and then enter the
commands shown below to draw the
four steps of the object as shown in Object to be drawn
Figure Step 7.

(Draw on layer Construction.)

Command: L
Specify first point: 5.5,6
Specify next point or [Undo]: @0,2
Specify next point or [Undo]: @-3,0
Specify next point or [Undo]: @0,-2
Specify next point or [Undo]: C
Command: <Osnap on>
(Press F3 to enable Osnap mode.)
Command: L
Specify first point: (end) P1
(Snap to the end of the line.)
Specify next point or [Undo]: (end) P2
(Snap to the end of the opposite line.)
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command: C
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan
radius)]: (mid) P3
(Snap to the midpoint of the line.)
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <2.0>: D
Specify diameter of circle: <1.0>: .75
Command: ERASE
Select objects: P4 1 found
Select objects:

...continued on page 8-6 Figure Step 7

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Using Osnap - Continued

Command: L (See Figure Step 7B)
Specify first point: (cen) P5
(Snap to the center of the circle)
Specify next point or [Undo]: (end) P6
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command: L
Specify next point: (cen) P5
Specify next point or [Undo]: (end) P7
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command: L
Specify next point: (cen) P5
Specify next point or [Undo]: (end) P8
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command: L
Specify next point: (cen) P 5
Specify next point or [Undo]: (end) P9
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command: C
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan
radius)]: (mid) of P10
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: D Specify diameter
of circle: .25 Figure Step 7B
Command: C
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)] (mid) P11
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <0.1250>:
Command: C
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: (mid) P12
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <0.1250>:
Command: C
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: (mid) P13
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <0.1250>:
Command: L (See Figure Step 7C)
Specify first point: (quad) P14
Specify next point or [Undo]: (quad) P15
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command: L
Specify first point: (quad) P16
Specify next point or [Undo]: (quad) P17
(Inserting the line from quad to quad )
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command: L
Specify first point: (quad) P18
Specify next point or [Undo]: (quad) P19
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command: L
Specify first point: (quad) P20
Specify next point or [Undo]: (quad) P21 Figure Step 7C
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command:
...continued on page 8-7

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Using Osnap - Continued

Step 8 Without entering a command, individually select the objects that you want to reside
on layer Object as shown in Figure Step 8A. While the objects are selected, pull down the
layer toolbar list and click the name Object. After you select the name, click inside the graphic
window and press Esc to clear the selected objects. Your drawing should now appear as Figure Step
8B.

Figure Step 8A

Figure Step 8B

Step 9 Pull down the layer list agin and freeze

layer Construction as shown in Figure Step 9A.
Your drawing is complete and should appear as
shown in Figure Step 9B.

Figure Step 9A

Figure Step 9B

Completed
Step 10 Save and close the drawing.
Drawing

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Manual Object Snap Modes

You can also enter manual object snap modes inside of any command that uses them. This
can be a handy feature for modes you do not use very often. It is also a good way to override
the current settings and force AutoCAD to find just the mode you want. For example:
Command: LINE
Specify first point: end of P1
(Inside the LINE command, you must start the next line at the end of an existing Line. Instead of
using AutoSnap, enter the mode end to AutoCAD's prompt and it asks of. When a line is picked,
AutoCAD will snap to the closest endpoint on that line.)
or
Command: CIRCLE
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: mid of P2
(Here, in the CIRCLE command, the snap mode mid is entered and AutoCAD responds of. Pick
an existing object and AutoCAD will snap to its midpoint.)

When using the manual object snap method, the Object Snap toolbar can
be used rather than typing the object snap modes. A tool tip will open as
you pass your cursor over each icon to see what mode each one
represents.

Geometry Lesson
Using Construction Objects

The best way to construct some

drawings is to draw construction
objects to aid you. You will see
more and more drawings like this
in future lab exercises.
Construction objects are objects
that you draw to be used for
construction only and will not be
part of the finished drawing. It is important to save those objects for later use or to see how the
construction was preformed.

From this point forward, in all lab exercises, you will be asked to create a layer named Construction,
color 253. Draw all construction objects on this layer and do not delete them. When you have
finished the drawing, freeze the layer Construction. When required, simply thaw the layer
Construction to gain access to the construction objects. See the drawing above. The object on the
left has all the construction objects displayed and on the right, they are frozen.

Note: Some drawings do not require any construction objects to be drawn.

...continued on page 8-9

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Using Construction Objects - continued

Author's Comments:
There are many ways to draw using AutoCAD and it seems that each CAD operator has his/her own
method. There is no right or wrong way as long as you can draw what you want accurately.
Layers are used extensively in industry to keep the drawings standard and consistent within
the company. Layers are also used when you are plotting the drawings to achieve
lineweight as you will see later in the course.
I recommend using a construction layer. The construction layer contains objects that are used to
construct the object being drawn but in the end, are not part of the actual drawing itself.
After you complete the drawing, you can freeze the construction layer so it cannot be seen
by others. If in the future you have to make revisions to the drawing, you can thaw the
construction layer and use the construction objects. That means you do not have to redraw
them which will save you time. Some drawings do not have any construction objects while
other have a lot of them.
As an AutoCAD instructor it also help me to see how the student is constructing the object. This is
especially true for online students. When I can't observe a student drawing, I use the
construction layer to help me see the students techniques.

When I draw in AutoCAD, I draw all objects on the construction layer and complete the
drawing. After I finish it, I change the layers of the objects I want to be part of the finished
drawing. The lines and circles that are left, are the construction objects. There are many
ways to draw and each person has to choose his/her method that works the best for them.
As you work your way through the modules, you will learn many techniques and drawing
methods. You will develop your own way of drawing that suits you best.

Whenever possible, disable the AutoSnap feature. When it is enabled at

the wrong time during the drawing process, it can cause drawing problems.
It is important to use object snap whenever possible but disable it when
you do not require it. It can be toggled off and on with the F3 key.

The Key Principles in Module 8

1. Object snap is one of the most important features in any CAD system. Use object snap
modes to quickly and accurately draw using existing geometry in the drawing.
2. The function key F3 toggles the AutoSnap feature off and on.
3. Use geometry and osnap rather then math to find the centers of squares or rectangles.
4. You can override or force AutoCAD to snap to a snap location on an object by manually
entering the osnap mode in the command line.
5. Turn AutoSNAP off when you aren't using it.
6. Draw construction objects on layer Construction and freeze it after you complete the
drawing.

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Lab Exercise 8-1 Time Allowed: 30 Min.

Drawing Specifications
Name Template Units Text Style Font
AutoCAD 2D Lab 08-1 Module Template A Inches N/A N/A
Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all < ByLayer < unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer Name Color Linetype Lineweight
Construction Objects Construction 253 N/A N/A
Lines and Arcs Object 1 Red N/A N/A
Circles Object 2 Blue N/A N/A
Instructions:
1. Setup the layers using the Layering Scheme shown above.
2. Draw the object shown below using the layering scheme above. In this
drawing, lines and arcs are on layer Object 1 and circles are on layer Object 2.
Lines and arcs should display red and circles should display blue.
3. Draw all construction objects on layer Construction.
4. Check your drawing with the key. The key name is the same as the drawing
name shown above. If you have trouble doing this, redo Module 3.
5. If you have any errors, correct your drawing.
6. Turn layer Key off and freeze layer Construction.
7. Save and close the drawing. Completed
Drawing

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Construction Technique
The following steps are the construction technique suggested by the author to help you learn how to
construct objects using AutoCAD. It is only the suggested method and if you can complete the drawing
accurately using a different construct technique, that is what is important. You may want to compare your
construction technique with the authors.

Construction Hints
Do your best to complete the lab exercise drawing without using the following
hint(s). If you get stuck and can't complete it on your own, use the following
hint(s) to help you.

Hint 1 Use osnap modes and snap to as many coordinate locations

Construction Objects
as possible rather then entering XY coordinates on the
keyboard.

Example 1:

Command: ARC
Specify start point of arc or [Center]: C
Specify center point of arc: (end) P1
Specify start point of arc: (end) P2
Specify end point of arc or [Angle/chord Length]: A
Specify included angle: 60
Command:

Example 2:

Command: LINE
Specify first point: (end) P3
Specify next point or [Undo]: (end) P4
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command:

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Lab Exercise 8-2 Time Allowed: 30 Min.

Drawing Specifications
Name Template Units Text Style Font
AutoCAD 2D Lab 08-2 Module Template C Inches N/A N/A
Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all < ByLayer < unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer Name Color Linetype Lineweight
Construction Objects Construction 253 N/A N/A
Lines and Arcs Object 1 Red N/A N/A
Circles Object 2 Blue N/A N/A
Instructions:
1. Setup the layers using the Layering Scheme shown above.
2. Draw the object shown below using the layering scheme above. In this
drawing, lines and arcs are on layer Object 1 and circles are on layer
Object 2. Lines and arcs should display red and circles should display blue.
3. Draw all construction objects on layer Construction.
4. Check your drawing with the key. The key name is the same as the drawing
name shown above. If you have trouble doing this, redo Module 3. Completed
5. If you have any errors, correct your drawing. Drawing
6. Turn layer Key off and freeze layer Construction.
7. Save and close the drawing.

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Construction Techniques
The following steps are the construction technique suggested by the author to help you learn how to
construct objects using AutoCAD. It is only the suggested method and if you can complete the drawing
accurately using a different construct technique, that is what is important. You may want to compare your
construction technique with the authors.

Construction Hints
Do your best to complete the lab exercise drawing without using
the following hint(s). If you get stuck and can't complete it on your
own, use the following hint(s) to help you.

Hint 1
Construction Objects
(Keep in mind that arcs are constructed
counterclockwise in AutoCAD.)
Command: ARC
Specify start point of arc or [Center]: C
Specify center point of arc: (end) P1
Specify start point of arc: @-1.5,0
(This sets the radius and the direction of the start
point.)
Specify end point of arc or [Angle/chord Length]: (end) P2
Command:
Figure Hint 1
Hint 2

Command: ARC
Specify start point of arc or [Center]: C
Specify center point of arc: (mid) P3
Specify start point of arc: (mid) P4
Specify end point of arc or [Angle/chord Length]: (mid) P5
(Make sure you construct the arc counterclockwise.)
Command:

Figure Hint 2

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Lab Exercise 8-3 Time Allowed: 30 Min.

Drawing Specifications
Name Template Units Text Style Font
AutoCAD 2D Lab 08-3 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all < ByLayer < unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer Name Color Linetype Lineweight
Construction Objects Construction 253 N/A N/A
Lines and Arcs Object 1 Red N/A N/A
Circles Object 2 Blue N/A N/A
Instructions:
1. Open the drawing AutoCAD 2D Lab 08-2.
2. Using the SAVEAS command, save it with the name AutoCAD 2D Lab 08-3.
3. Turn off all the layers except for layer Key. If the magenta block (overlay)
from Lab 08-2 displays, select it and press the delete key. Turn all of the
other layers back on.
4. Complete the object below by adding and erasing objects to match the
drawing object shown below. Completed
5. Draw all construction objects on layer Construction.
6. Check your drawing with the key. The key name is the same as the drawing Drawing
name shown above. If you have trouble doing this, redo Module 3.
7. If you have any errors, correct your drawing.
8. Turn layer Key off and freeze layer Construction.
9. Save and close the drawing.

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Construction Techniques
The following steps are the construction technique suggested by the author to help you learn how to
construct objects using AutoCAD. It is only the suggested method and if you can complete the drawing
accurately using a different construct technique, that is what is important. You may want to compare your
construction technique with the authors.

Construction Hints
Do your best to complete the lab exercise drawing without using
the following hint(s). If you get stuck and can't complete it on your
own, use the following hint(s) to help you.

Hint 1

Construction Objects

Figure Hint 2

Hint 2
Figure Hint 2

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