# Using the Graph Paper Layer

A layer called 'Graph Paper' is included in all new drawings, and is hidden by default. The graph paper layer is customizable. Graph paper can be hidden or revealed in exported and printed works.

## Show Hide To Turn On Graph Paper:

Do one of the following:

- Click “show” (eye) icon to the right of the Graph Paper layer name to make it visible.
- Choose File > Graph Paper Settings… to open the Graph Paper setup dialog and check the box to make grid lines 'Visible'.
- Right-click the Graph Paper layer and choose 'Show Graph Paper' from the contextual menu.

## Show Hide To Change Grid Line Colors, Rulers and Settings:

Grid line spacing, colors, and rulers are customizable.

1. Do one of the following:

- Choose File > Graph Paper Settings… to open the Graph Paper setup dialog.
- Right-click the Graph Paper layer and choose Graph Paper Settings… from the contextual menu.

2. For grid line spacing, change the following settings:

- Span - the distance between graph paper primary grid lines, displayed in current drawing units.
- Divisions - minor subdivisions between grid spans.
- Majors - major lines encompassing several spans.

3. For colors, do one of the following:

- Click 'Theme based on:' color-well and choose a new color for your graph paper. Semi-transparent colors are recommended. Artboard automatically generates different shades to represent span, divisions, and majors based on your color choice.
- Click 'Or' and click the color-wells to change the color independently for span, divisions, and majors. Semi-transparent colors are recommended.

4. For ruler labels, change the span line setting.

## Show Hide To Enable (or Disable) Isometric Grid:

By default Artboard uses the familiar Cartesian grid for graph paper. Optionally, Artboard can display an isometric grid to assist with drawing in perspective.

1. Do one of the following:

- Choose File > Graph Paper Settings… to open the Graph Paper setup dialog.
- Right-click the Graph Paper layer and choose Graph Paper Settings… from the contextual menu.

2. Choose 'Type: Isometric' from the drop-down menu.
3. Change grid line settings and colors as desired.

## Show Hide To Enable Snap to Graph Paper:

When 'Snap To Graph Paper' is enabled from the main menu, object handles, centroids, and points snap to the intersections of grid lines regardless of whether the Graph Paper layer is visible or hidden.

1. Turn on (show) the Graph Paper layer.
2. Choose Graphic > Snap To > Graph Paper from the main menu.

## Show Hide To Enable (or Disable) Automatic Snapping when Graph Paper Layer is Visible:

By default, automatic snapping is enabled when the Graph Paper layer is visible. Objects snap to the intersection of grid lines when Graph Paper layer is visible, and do not snap when the layer is hidden.

1. Open the Artboard > Preferences… Editing menu.
2. Check (or uncheck) the 'Snap to graph paper when graph paper is visible' option.

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