Sometimes you need to define a location by using an existing point or object as a reference. For instance, maybe you need to draw a line that begins 60 units to the right and 60 units above an existing point, but there aren't any objects in the drawing you can snap to. Or maybe you have a horizontal and a vertical line that don't intersect and you need to find their intersection point. That's where object snap tracking comes in. You can use object snap tracking, together with object snaps, to track along alignment paths to find precise points.
First, if they aren't on already, turn on Object Snaps, Polar Tracking, and Object Snap Tracking using the Status Bar in the bottom right.
You can also turn Object Snap on and off with the F3 shortcut key, Object Snap Tracking on and off with the F11 shortcut key, and Polar Tracking on and off with the F10 shortcut key.
For this exercise, we'll use the Midpoint object snap option. So, let's make sure the Midpoint object snap is on.
Let's try it!
Suppose you have a rectangle and want to draw a circle in the center of it.
Now suppose you want to draw a circle that is 60 units up and 60 units over from a particular point. You can use temporary tracking to find the precise location.
Without object snap tracking, you might first create some temporary construction lines, then create the circle, and then erase the construction lines. Or maybe you would create the circle at the reference point and then move it. But using a temporary tracking point eliminates those extra steps.
By default, object snap tracking only tracks orthogonally. However, you can change Object Snap Tracking settings to use all polar angle settings. Let's suppose this time you want to draw a circle at the center point of this triangle using object snap tracking.
You won't be able to locate the center point using only orthogonal tracking. You'll need a 30-degree tracking angle.
You can also access tracking by holding down Shift and right-clicking to display the Object Snap shortcut menu.
Let's do one more exercise. This time, suppose you want to draw a circle at the midpoint between these two points.
Object Snap Tracking is a useful drafting aid that helps you find precise points that don't already have a point to snap to. Use the tips in this topic when you're drafting to save time and draft with precision.
Here are some frequently used commands and system variables related to object snap tracking.
Command | Description |
---|---|
DSETTINGS | Sets grid and snap, polar and object snap tracking, object snap modes, Dynamic Input, and Quick Properties. |
TRACKING (Command Modifier) | Locates a point from a series of temporary points. |
System Variable | Description | Default Value | Saved in |
---|---|---|---|
AUTOSNAP | Controls the display of the AutoSnap marker, tooltip, and magnet. | 63 | Registry |
POLARMODE | Controls settings for polar and object snap tracking. | 0 | Registry |
TRACKPATH | Controls the display of polar and object snap tracking alignment paths. | 0 | Registry |
POLARANG | Sets the polar angle increment. | 90 | Registry |
ORTHOMODE | Constrains cursor movement to the perpendicular. | 0 | Drawing |
OSMODE | Sets running object snaps. | 4133 | Registry |