[FEATURE] Snapping does not work with many technic parts

[crabdancing]

In Lego Digital Designer there is snapping between technic pins and beams, and between axles and beams, etc. The logic is, of course, that axle-shaped holes will only connect axle-type connectors, while pin-shaped holes will fit both axles and pins.

This makes it actually feasible to CAD a complex technic model very quickly in LDD. Sadly, I've not found it as easy when trying to do so in LeoCAD.

Please add support for technic snapping!

If it's feasible, it would also be very good to add support for snapping between door rails and technic mini motors. For reference, below is an image illustrating how the door rails are supposed to couple with the motors.

[j6t]

It works. I've already done a large Technic model.

Most importantly, you have to switch Z snapping to 1/2 stud, IIRC.

Of course, many situations remain where no snap option will help. Then use the Properties panel to edit the positions manually, usually in increments of 2.

[BuilderSky]

ok, so i want to put a rim inside of a tire. and then the wheel onto an axle. so, how do i go about doing this?

[nathaneltitane]

@BuilderSky make sure grid snap is turned on and align parts accordingly. Smart snapping does not exist in leocad, although, if your rim is selected and highlighted as you insert your tire, the tire will position itself relative to the rim. Some adjustments may be necessary.

[BuilderSky]

@nathaneltitane eh???? how do you select one thing and move another?

[nathaneltitane]

@BuilderSky i said insert, not move

[j6t]

An intelligent snap option is not going to be added, I assume. The existing snap options work sufficiently well, even for Technic parts. I think this feature request can be closed.

[nathaneltitane]

@nathaneltitane eh???? how do you select one thing and move another?

Insert your rim from parts list Make sur the rim is highlighted in blue Pull the corresponding tire into model space while hovering over the rim, it will position itself relative to the rim Adjust the tire position if not perfectly aligned by changing your grid snap increments and repositioning the tire accordingly.

@leozide seems our friend here, and many others find snapping in LeoCAD obscure. Can we do something about it?

[HellishINC]

So, since this is still an open issue:

Insert does not work in any case I've tried. For example Technic pins (2780).

Trying to Insert a pin into a Boat Base (64651) simply places the pin on the top front stern section.

There's currently two solutions:

• Disable snapping entirely and move the item manually and hope for the best.
• Import the model into Studio and do things there.

Obviously option 2 is not a real solution as you might as well just use that tool.

707 #563

As for the whole "It would require a database of how pieces fit together. Who would maintain it?" argument. Isn't that the point of open source projects? Depending on how difficult it is, I don't see why users wouldn't want to contribute if it makes everyone's lives easier. I know I would gladly do so.

[nathaneltitane]

It works. I've already done a large Technic model.

Most importantly, you have to switch Z snapping to 1/2 stud, IIRC.

Of course, many situations remain where no snap option will help. Then use the Properties panel to edit the positions manually, usually in increments of 2.

Quoting j6t here because my answer is very similar to his:

@HellishINC

It works, you just have to toggle the grid increments. I've been building with leocad for years. the grid system and snapping works. you have to mind the increments and steps as you go along... that's about it

@leozide what does seem to stand out from many feature requests and questions is lack of proper documentation.

Any action plan we can help with?

[HellishINC]

Unfortunately setting snapping to 1/2 Z only does not properly align parts for me. 1/20 does (and obviously doing it through properties) but this is a terrible solution IMO. It's clunky and slow.

1/2 Z snapping.

[nathaneltitane]

Unfortunately setting snapping to 1/2 Z only does not properly align parts for me. 1/20 does (and obviously doing it through properties) but this is a terrible solution IMO. It's clunky and slow.

1/2 Z snapping.

I assigned my number keystrokes to the grid settings (x and Y I believe), then added the ctrl and alt modifiers for Z and rotation respectively. Obviously the properties dialog is clunky - leocad's workflow is meant to be customized through keyboard and mouse combo shortcuts. (See 'View' > 'Preferences' > 'Keyboard' and same for mouse, just next to it)

Your screen capture is normal, and yes, I also mind to always drop 2/20 on Z when snapping technic elements.

[j6t]

Unfortunately setting snapping to 1/2 Z only does not properly align parts for me.

You have to set 1/2 Z snapping before you insert the piece. Once it is placed, 1/2 Z does not correct the placement.

And, of course, this assumes that all parts are Technic parts. If some are not, then you start off with Technic holes and pins that are not at the 1/2 grid, and you have to adjust to that.

Of course, you can stay with 1/20 snapping, then you have to most freedom, but with a slightly increased chance of error that you end up off-by-one position if you are not careful.