How Do I Turn Off Axis Snapping in SketchUp?

Are you tired of the axis snapping feature in SketchUp? Do you find it frustrating when you are trying to draw or move objects and they automatically align to the axes?

Well, you’re in luck! In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to turn off axis snapping in SketchUp.

Step 1: Open the Preferences Window

To get started, open SketchUp and navigate to the ‘Window’ menu at the top of your screen. From the dropdown menu, select ‘Preferences’.

Step 2: Access the Drawing area settings

In the Preferences window, you will see a list of options on the left-hand side. Locate and click on ‘Drawing’.

Step 3: Disable Axis Snapping

Once you are in the Drawing settings, scroll down until you find ‘Snapping’. Here, you will see a checkbox labeled ‘Enable Snapping’. Uncheck this box to disable axis snapping.

Note: Disabling axis snapping will also disable other types of snapping like endpoint snapping and intersection snapping. If you want to keep those features enabled while turning off only axis snapping, follow these additional steps:

Step 4: Enable Endpoint Snapping

In the same ‘Snapping’ section within Drawing settings, locate the checkbox labeled ‘Enable Endpoint Snapping’. Make sure this box is checked if you want to retain endpoint snapping functionality while disabling axis snapping.

Step 5: Enable Intersection Snapping

Next, locate the checkbox labeled ‘Enable Intersection Snapping’ within the same section. Ensure that this box is also checked if you wish to keep intersection snapping active along with endpoint snapping.

Tip: Endpoint snapping allows you to draw or move objects and have their endpoints precisely align with other objects’ endpoints. Intersection snapping, on the other hand, helps you snap to the intersection of two or more lines or edges.

Step 6: Apply the Changes

After disabling axis snapping and enabling any desired additional snapping options, click on the ‘OK’ button to apply the changes and close the Preferences window.

Congratulations! You have successfully turned off axis snapping in SketchUp.

Now you can freely draw and move objects without being constrained by the axes. Remember, if you ever want to re-enable axis snapping or modify any other settings, you can always revisit the Preferences window.

  • Step 1: Open the Preferences Window
  • Step 2: Access the Drawing area settings
  • Step 3: Disable Axis Snapping
  • Note: Disabling axis snapping will also disable other types of snapping like endpoint snapping and intersection snapping. If you want to keep those features enabled while turning off only axis snapping, follow these additional steps:
    • Step 4: Enable Endpoint Snapping
    • Step 5: Enable Intersection Snapping
  • Tip: Endpoint snapping allows you to draw or move objects and have their endpoints precisely align with other objects’ endpoints. Intersection snapping helps you snap to the intersection of two or more lines or edges.
  • Step 6: Apply the Changes

You’re now ready to take your SketchUp skills to the next level. Happy designing!