Insertion points

Insertion points are pre-defined snap points on a 2D/3D primitive object or Library object that are used as insertion grips when placing objects into your drawing. The insertion point is identified by a red square snap point or grip.

This feature allows you to choose the Insertion Point from a list of pre-defined Insertion Points. Drawn objects or Library objects use a default insertion point. When you choose a different Insertion Point, the object will shift around the cursor, to the specified Insertion Point. The object will automatically use the same Insertion Point that was previously selected until changed.

Insertion Points for Library objects will only display if Library Snap is enabled. See Library snap in the Library Browser section for details.

To select the object’s insertion point
  1. Choose a 2D or 3D object to draw, or select an object from the Library.
  2. Set or change the object’s specifications in the settings dialog box that appears.
  3. Click OK.

Result: Your cursor snaps to the default insertion point of the object.

  1. Right-click the object to display the menu list of insertion points.
  2. Click on the new insertion point.

Result: Your cursor switches to the selected insertion point.

  1. Place the object into your drawing.
To select the library object’s insertion point

See Library snap in the Library Browser section.

Changing insertion points

You can change the insertion point of a single 2D/3D primitive object in your drawing to another insertion point. You can select only one 2D/3D primitive object to change its insertion point. You can change the insertion points of rectangles, arcs, elliptical arcs, polygons, risers, cylinders, cones, spheres, walls, screens, and LED walls.

To change the object’s insertion point
  1. Select a 2D or 3D object in your drawing.
  2. From the Edit menu, choose Change Insertion Point, and click on the new insertion point from the menu list of insertion points.

Tip: You can right-click on the selected object, choose Change Insertion Point, and click on the new insertion point from the menu list of insertion points.

Result: The insertion point of the selected object moves to the new location.

Changing insertion points of groups

The insertion point of a group is always the first object selected when creating the group. You can change the insertion point of a single group to any location inside or outside of the selected group.

To change the insertion point of a group
  1. Select one group in your drawing. (Only one group must be selected to be able to perform this operation.)
  2. From the Edit menu, choose Change Insertion Point.

Tip: You can right-click on the selected group and choose Change Insertion Point from the menu that appears.

  1. Click your desired location anywhere in Wireframe or type a coordinate to set as the new insertion point and press ENTER.

Result: The red grip, which represents the insertion point of the selected group, moves to the new location.

Tip: If the new insertion point is "on" an object, use Snaps to set it accurately.

Changing insertion points of hang structures

Whereas pre-defined insertion points are not available when inserting or assembling hang structures in your drawing, you can select a single or assembled hang structure (pipe or truss) and change its insertion point after it has been inserted or assembled. As with groups, a location on the selected hang structure (or outside of it) can be its insertion point.

To change insertion point of a hang structure
  1. Select one hang structure in your drawing.
  2. From the Edit menu, choose Change Insertion Point.

Tip: You can right-click on the selected hang structure and choose Change Insertion Point from the menu that appears.

  1. Click your desired location on the selected hang structure or anywhere in Wireframe, or type the coordinates of the new insertion point and press ENTER.

Result: The insertion point of the selected hang structure moves to the new location.

Tip: If the new insertion point is "on" this or another hang structure, enable Truss Snap to set it accurately. With other object types, use other Snaps to set the new insertion point accurately.

(See the sections Drawing pipes and Hanging truss for more information on hang structure assembly.)