Tech Tip: How to Enable Snap Mode in an Onshape Assembly

Typically when placing components into an assembly the mating component is already in place and is ready for the new components to be mated to it. This Tech Tip will show you how to enable snap mode and locate components correctly and easily while still in the Insert dialog.

Create an Explicit Mate Connector

For components that you design, you need to create a Mate Connector at the location where you want to align the components in an assembly. Make sure that the Mate Connector belongs to the component as the owner part.

Enable Snap Mode in the Assembly

Either select snap mode on the toolbar or use Shift-s to turn on the mode before you choose the Insert dialog.

Insert and Locate Components

While in the Insert dialog you can hover over a part to activate the Mate Connector in the existing parts by using the keys A and Q to align or realign or use the Ctrl key to change between available Mate Connectors

For standard content, these Mate Connectors are already defined for you.

This Tech Tip helped you learn how to use snap mode. For more, watch the video below:

We have more resources for you to learn more about related features, like my favorite video that explains all the ways you can use Mate Connectors. We also have more information on how to use them elsewhere!

Interested in learning more Onshape Tech Tips? You can review the most recent technical blogs here.