How to Use Snapping in Inkscape

Snapping is the process where the object you are adding to the canvas connects with a specific object near it, such as a gridline, node, or bounding box.

This will shift the new object’s edge to the object when the cursor is close to it. This enables you to line up and add objects accurately.

There are so many things you can snap new elements to, but I will detail how to use a guideline grid as the base. This is perfect when you want to keep objects aligned and the dimensions precise when creating a layout or artwork.

How to Turn On and Use Snapping in Inkscape

Before you turn on snapping and use the function, you need something on your canvas to snap to. You can have any object or element. I will be using a temporary guideline grid I added. This allows me to snap the new objects to the grid to help me measure and align the objects in my layout.

Once you have your first object on the page, you can turn on the snapping function. Previously, you would need to go to File > Document Properties and locate it under the Snap tab. However, in the latest versions (currently V1.2.2), you can find the option at the top right-hand side of the page. Click on the arrow next to the S and the magnetic icon.

When the tab pops open, click the box next to Enable snapping.

You can then choose what you want your object to snap to by turning the various elements on and off. First, click on Advanced Mode at the bottom of the tab.

Then, you can check the boxes next to all the elements you want your object to snap to. To revert to the basic snapping options, click Reset to simple snapping mode at the bottom of the tab.

However, all the options checked in the advanced mode will be active when you turn on snapping. Since the Guides were checked, my objects will snap to the guides on the page.

Once snapping is enabled, you can hover your mouse close to the guideline or object, and you will notice an X icon appear on the nearest snapping point, along with a description of where your object will snap.

You can then click and drag to create your object. When dragging, the object will snap to other areas as you near the elements. You can pull it past the snap until you are happy with your object's placement.