The function Xsnap helps you to snap to the correct points by giving you visual cues. As you move the pointer over an object, Tekla Structures automatically highlights the points it suggests you snap to.
To toggle Xsnap on and off, use the keystroke T or go to the pull-down menu to Setup > Xsnap. By default, this function is toggled on.
Tekla Structures contains an extra set of snapping tools, for example toolbar Enter a numeric location you can use in combination with Xsnap to snap to specific locations.
Snap switches
You can use Snap switches in both Modelling- and Drawing mode:
Tekla Structures shows the available snap positions.
Hold down the <Ctrl> key to pick temporary reference points to use as an origin.
Use to temporarily over-ride current snap switch settings.
Use to enter the loca-tion coordinates you want to snap to 500
Orthogonal snapping
Use the shortcut O (Setup > Ortho) to snap to positions in orthogonal directions on the work plane (0, 45, 90, 135, 180 degrees, etc.).
Numeric snapping
Use the Enter a numeric location toolbar to key in position coordinates you want to snap to.
To display the toolbar, initiate a command that requires you to pick positions, and then do one of the following:
• Start entering the coordinates using the keyboard.
• Click Setup > Enter a numeric locationand select an option or press shortcut R and enter one or more values.
The following table explains the types of information you can enter:
Icon Positions to pick Icon Positions to pick Snap to points and
grid intersections
Snap to nearest points
Snap to end points Snap to any position
Snap to center points Snap to reference lines / points
Snap to mid points Snap to geometry lines /
points
After you enter the coordinates, press <Enter> or click <OK> to snap to the position.
Temporary reference points
You can create a temporary reference point to use as a local origin when snap-ping in models or drawings.
1. Initiate a command that requires you to pick positions
2. Hold down the <Ctrl> key and pick a position. A green cross indicates that this position is now a temporary reference point.
Example Description
The x-, y- and z-coordinates of a position, separated by comma’s
A distance, an angle on the xy plane, and an angle from the xz plane separated by angle brackets
Angles increase in the counter-clockwise direction.
The coordinates based on the ori-gin of the work plane.
The coordinates relative to the last position picked, e.g.
@1000,500 or @500<30 A distance to an indicated direc-tion.
If you omit the last coordinate (z) or angle, Tekla Structures assumes that the value is 0.
In drawings, Tekla Structures ignores the third coordinate.
Snap examples
A beam with a certain length
1. Click Create beam
2. Pick the first point in between the grids A-1 and B-1 or enter the coordinate Relative to the position of the work plane:
Relative to the last picked point by using shortcut R:
3. Move the mouse pointer in grid direction B-1:
4. Now pick the second point of the beam or enter the length of the beam
5. Press <Enter> or click <OK>, the beam will be created 1500,0
@1500,0
3000
A shifted beam with a certain length
1. Click Create beam
2. Pick the first point or enter the coordinate relative to the position of the work plane or relative to the last picked point by using shortcut R
3. Enter the length and the angle of the shifted beam relative to the work plane, use shortcut R and the symbol “<“ as a separating character
4. Press <Enter> or click <OK>, the beam will be created
The direction of the X-axis of the work plane is always the 0°-axis!
0°
90°
180°
270°
@1500<210
A beam using a temporary reference point
1. Click Create beam
2. Hold down the <Ctrl> key to pick a temporary reference point, a green col-ored cross, to use as an origin (1)
3. Move the mouse pointer in the direction of the start point of the beam and enter a value or pick the first point of the beam (2)
1
2000
2
4. Move the mouse pointer in the direction of the second point of the beam and enter a value or pick a point (3)
The beam will be created
3
1500
A beam using temporarily override current snap switch settings
1. Click Create beam
2. Use a temporary reference point to pick the position of the beam at the cen-tre of the grid line (1)
3. Click the right mouse button to select an option to temporary "overrule" the snap settings or use the toolbar Snap override
1
4. Move the mouse pointer in the direction of the second point of the beam and enter a value or pick a point (2)
The beam will be created 1500
2
Keys X, Y and Z
In Tekla Structures you can easily make use of the keys X, Y and Z to lock the mouse pointer in a specific direction.
Example You want to create a beam at a certain level:
Step plan 1. Click on the icon Create beam and pick the first position (1)
2. Snap at the first picked point and press the key Z, the z direction is now locked
3. Pick the second position (2) on grid B-3, now that the Z direction is locked, it automatically positions the second point of the beam at the locked z direc-tion.
B
3
You always need to snap on a certain point to be able to lock the mouse pointer!
2 1
B
3