Identification Modes
HiCAD supports various identification modes which enable you to reduce the number of mouse clicks required to call a function and speed up construction.
The following possibilities exist:
- Object snap
If you move the cursor over your drawing, the object nearest to the current cursor position is automatically selected. This can be a part, a dimension, a processing plane, a view etc. By a right-click the object becomes the active object, and it is displayed in the context menu together with the functions which are relevant for processing this object. For example, if the active object is a 3-D part, the processing functions for 3-D components are displayed.
- Element
snap
If you move the cursor over your drawing, the element nearest to the current cursor position is automatically selected. This can be a point, a line, an edge or a surface. Dimensions, views, texts etc. can also be selected in this mode with the exception of parts. This mode is useful, for example, for transforming surfaces or edges.
- Group
snap
This mode is only useful if you are working with the HiCAD metal engineering functions. It serves to identify and process profile and beam groups quickly.
On the transparent toolbar 
the following modes are available:
|
Object snap 2-D and 3-D parts, 2-D and 3-D texts, 2-D and 3-D dimensionings, auxiliary lines, 3-D processing planes, 3-D views. If this mode is active, the user guidance (info toolbar) shows you the default dialogue text Select function/object. |
|
Element snap 2-D graphical elements, 3-D edges, 3-D surfaces, points, isolated points, 2-D and 3-D texts, 2-D and 3-D dimensionings, auxiliary lines, 3-D processing planes, 3-D views. If this mode is active, the user guidance (info toolbar) shows you the default dialogue text Select function/geometry/object. |
|
Group snap Profile and beam groups (metal engineering), 2-D and 3-D texts, 2-D and 3-D dimensions, auxiliary lines, 3-D processing planes, 3-D views. |
The default setting is the Object snap mode. If desired, you can change this default setting in the Configuration Editor: At System settings > Start configuration > Preset identification mode you can choose your preferred identification mode.
Tip: Easier element snap
As long as no function is active, pressing and holding the SHIFT key automatically activates the element snap - independent of the set identification mode. This gives you faster access to the context menus of individual geometry elements and is also a practical way to find a feature in the ICN from within the geometry - especially for complex model drawings.
