AutoCAD

How to Add Object Snap Toolbar in AutoCAD 2017?

Understanding Object Snap in AutoCAD 2025

Object Snap is an essential feature in AutoCAD that helps you accurately select precise points on objects. This functionality is vital for precise drafting and design, allowing users to ensure that lines and shapes connect exactly where they need to.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding the Object Snap Toolbar in AutoCAD 2025

To enhance your drafting efficiency, you may want to display the Object Snap toolbar. Below are detailed steps on how to do this.

1. Access the CUI Interface

  • Start by typing CUI into the command line and pressing Enter.
  • This initiates the Customize User Interface (CUI) dialog, which allows you to modify your interface, add toolbars, and adjust various settings.

2. Create a New Toolbar

  • In the CUI window, navigate to the Toolbars section.
  • Right-click on the Toolbars node in the left pane and select New Toolbar from the context menu.
  • A new toolbar will automatically be created. Rename this new toolbar to something recognizable, like “Object Snap”, by right-clicking on it and choosing Rename.

3. Adding Object Snap Commands to Your Toolbar

  • Find the list of commands available in the CUI dialog. You can typically locate them under Commands or the All Commands section.
  • Locate the various object snap commands such as Endpoint, Midpoint, Center, and more.
  • Click and drag your chosen object snap commands from the Commands pane to your newly created toolbar. A blue arrow will indicate where you are placing the commands.

4. Applying Changes

  • After adding the desired commands, click the Apply button located at the bottom right of the CUI dialog. This will ensure that the changes take effect.

5. Verifying the Toolbar Display

  • Exit the CUI dialog and return to the main AutoCAD interface.
  • The Object Snap toolbar should now be visible. If it is not, you can manually enable it from the View tab by selecting Toolbars and then checking the box next to the Object Snap toolbar.

Managing Visibility of the Object Snap Toolbar

If you want to ensure the Object Snap toolbar stays visible:

  • Go to the View tab, click on Toolbars, and confirm that the Object Snap toolbar option is selected.
  • For a more permanent solution, you might want to dock the toolbar on your workspace. You can do this by clicking and dragging the title bar of the toolbar to the desired location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What should I do if the Object Snap toolbar still doesn’t appear?
Check your AutoCAD workspace settings, as it may be set to a layout that hides certain toolbars. You can also revisit the CUI settings to ensure the toolbar was created successfully.

2. Is it possible to customize the Object Snap settings beyond just adding it to a toolbar?
Yes, you can modify the snap functionality by accessing the Object Snap settings via the status bar or the Drafting Settings dialog. This allows you to choose which object snaps to enable as persistent settings.

3. How can I quickly toggle the Object Snap feature without the toolbar?
You can quickly enable or disable the Object Snap feature by pressing the F3 key. This is useful for managing your workflow without needing to rely on the toolbar.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.