Software basics · Beginner

Snapping

Making objects and points jump to exact spots as you move them

What is snapping in 3D?

Snapping makes an object or point jump to an exact spot while you move it, such as a grid line, a vertex, an edge or a surface. It turns rough mouse moves into precise placement, so parts line up and touch without gaps. Most 3D apps let you turn it on and off with one button.

Think of it like this

It is like a fridge magnet: you move it close to the door, and it clicks firmly into place.

Where it fits in a 3D project

  1. Create
  2. Surface
  3. Rig
  4. Animate
  5. Render
  6. Export

Create: Building the shape: modeling, sculpting, scanning or generating it.

How snapping works

  1. 01Turn snapping on and choose a target, such as grid, vertex, edge or face.
  2. 02Move, rotate or scale your selection as usual.
  3. 03Near a target, the selection jumps to it instead of following the mouse exactly.
  4. 04Hold a modifier key to snap only while you need it.

Where snapping is used

  • Lining up walls, floors and modular kit pieces
  • Placing objects so they sit exactly on a surface
  • Joining two parts vertex to vertex
  • Drawing new faces over a model during retopology

Beginner tip

You do not need snapping on all the time. In Blender, hold Ctrl while moving to snap for that move only, which keeps free movement as the default.

Terms related to snapping

Snapping FAQ

How do I turn on snapping in Blender?
Click the magnet icon at the top of the viewport, or press Shift+Tab. The menu beside it sets the target, such as Increment, Vertex, Edge or Face.
How do I snap to a vertex?
Set the snap target to Vertex, then move your selection and hover near the vertex you want; it jumps there. The Snap Base setting decides which point of your selection lands on it.
Why is snapping not working?
Check that the magnet is on and the target type matches what you are snapping to, such as Vertex rather than Increment. Holding Ctrl flips snapping, so it turns snapping off while the magnet is on.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms