Turning on snap in Revit allows you to precisely align elements and vertices in your model. The snap function snaps elements into place according to defined increments when you move or draw them. Using snap ensures accuracy and consistency when modeling in Revit.
What is Snap in Revit?
Snap is a tool in Revit that enables elements, lines, and vertices to snap to increments and geometry as you construct your model. When snap is enabled, Revit will automatically align elements to the nearest snap increment or geometry like a gridline, reference plane, edge of a wall, etc. as you move or draw them. This allows you to precisely place elements without having to manually position them.
Some key things to know about snap in Revit:
- Snap increments are set in the Snap Settings dialog box
- You can snap to grids, reference planes, model edges and faces, sketch lines, and more
- Temporary snap overrides let you fine-tune the snap location
- Snap indicators display visually where elements will snap to
- Snapping expedites modeling by removing the need to manually align every element
Using snap enables you to quickly and accurately model in Revit by snapping elements into precise alignments. This supports overall drafting efficiency.
Why Use Snap in Revit?
Using the snap functionality in Revit provides several key benefits:
- Accuracy – Snap allows you to perfectly align elements to increments and geometry without eyeballing placement.
- Consistency – Snap maintains regular alignments and spacing between elements.
- Speed – Snapping elements into place is faster than manually moving and aligning each one.
- Clarity – Precisely aligned and spaced elements supported by snap keep your model well-organized and easier to edit later.
For any professional Revit model, it is highly recommended to use snap to maintain accuracy and consistency. Snap alignment is a fundamental drafting standard.
How to Turn On Snap in Revit
Turning on snap functionality in Revit is simple. There are just a couple steps:
- Go to the Manage tab
- Click the Snap button in the Settings panel or press the SN shortcut key
That’s it! The Snap button will turn blue when activated. Now any time you draw, move, or modify elements, they will snap into place according to your defined snap increments.
Enable Snapping via the Status Bar
You can also enable snap through the Status Bar at the bottom of the Revit screen. Simply check the Snap box in the Status Bar to toggle snap on and off.
Snap Settings
Once snap is enabled, you can further customize the snap increments and behavior in the Snap Settings dialog box. To access Snap Settings:
- Go to the Manage tab
- Click the Snap Settings button in the Settings panel
In Snap Settings you can define specific snap increments and activate different snap types like endpoint, midpoint, intersection, perpendicular, tangency, and more. This allows you to tailor snapping to your specific modeling needs.
Snapping to Geometry
A key benefit of snap is the ability to snap elements to existing geometry in your model as you construct things. For example, you can snap the endpoint of a wall to the face of another wall. Some common geometry snapping includes:
- Wall faces
- Levels
- Grids
- Model edges and endpoints
- Reference planes
- Sketch lines
Snapping to geometry helps maintain proper alignments within your developing model.
Object Snaps
Object snaps allow you snap to key points on model elements like the endpoint, midpoint, center point, quadrant point, intersection point, and more. Object snaps are configured in the Object Snap Settings dialog box.
Snap Override
A temporary snap override can be used to fine-tune your snap location when needed. Press the CTRL key while snapping to toggle override modes like Midpoint, Endpoint, Intersection, etc. This gives you more snap control.
Snapping Tips & Tricks
Here are some additional pointers for leveraging snapping effectively:
- Use snap increments that make sense for your model size and elements
- Be aware of any angle snapping like 90 degrees, 45 degrees, etc.
- Watch snap indicators to understand what’s happening
- Try different snap overrides if the default isn’t suitable
- Snap to model geometry whenever possible
- Mind the element placement sequence when snapping
With regular use, snapping will become second-nature. Don’t be afraid to customize snap settings to support your workflow.
Disabling and Re-Enabling Snap
Sometimes you may want to temporarily disable snap. For example, to roughly move an element before final snap into place. There are a couple ways to quickly disable and re-enable snap:
- Press the SN shortcut key to toggle snap on and off
- Uncheck the Snap box in the Status Bar to disable
- Use the Snap button on the Manage tab to turn off, then on again
It’s simple to toggle snap on and off for temporary adjustments before snapping elements into their final aligned positions.
Conclusion
The snap functionality in Revit is an essential modeling tool for precision and consistency. To enable snap:
- Go to the Manage tab
- Click the Snap button or press SN
Configure snap increments and options in the Snap Settings dialog box. Snap to model geometry whenever possible. Use snap overrides for fine-tuned alignments. Disable snap temporarily as needed. With regular use, snapping will accelerate your Revit modeling and support accuracy.