Using the Alignment Grid

You can display a grid of vertical and horizontal lines to aid in positioning objects in a document. You can also turn on the snap-to-grid feature to make Canvas X Draw snap objects into alignment with the grid when you drag near a grid line.

When snap-to-grid is active, the pointer movements snap to the grid according to the settings in the Grids manager.

To Display Grids:

Do one of the following:

• Select the Grids checkbox in the Properties bar.
• Choose Layout | Display | Show Grids.

To Turn Off Grids:

Do one of the following:

• Deselect the Grids checkbox in the Properties bar.
• Choose Layout | Display | Hide Grids.

To Turn on Snap-to-Grid:

Do one of the following:

• With the Grids checkbox enabled in the Properties bar, select the Snap to Grids button. 
• Choose Layout | Grids and Guides | Snap to Grids. Choose the command again to turn off snap-to-grid.

To Temporarily Override the Grid Constraint:

Press Tab as you create, resize, or move objects.

To Set Up the Alignment Grid:

1. Choose Layout | Grids and Guides | Grids and Guides Settings...
2. In the Grids manager, enter a value in the Line Distance X: Units text box.
3. Enter a value in the Line Distance Y: Units text box.
4. Enter a value in the Snap Factor X: Fields text box.

5. Enter a value in the Snap Factor Y: Fields text box.

   You can enter decimal or fractional values; Canvas X Draw converts fractional values to decimal values; e.g., if the Line Distance is 1 inch, a Snap Factor of 1/2 Fields sets snap points every 1/2 inch.

6. Select Snap to X and Snap to Y to make objects snap to the snap points on both sets of grid lines.
7. Click OK to implement the grid settings.

You can also use SHIFT + arrow keys to precisely position objects on your grid.