AutoCAD Object Snap ‘FROM’ – Drawing or copying elements at set intervals?

By Dennis Collin

This is useful when creating details or a legend key on a sheet. It enables users to choose an alternative reference point for displacement than the selected base point origin. In the example image in figure 2, it is necessary to place additional elements at an interval of 250 units. This can be achieved by AutoCAD’s copy object command. Simply choose copy, choose a suitable reference point snap, and then bring up the Snap Override menu.

Choose the from snap as the start point for the offset distance. Move the cursor in the desired direction and type in the required offset of 250 units.

Alternatively, users can make use of object snap tracking which works in a comparable way. Although if working in a busy drawing the automatic point acquisition can be annoying.

For Object Snap tracking to be effective, both object snap and object snap tracking need to be enabled on the drawing aids status line.

The From snap option is very useful for all kinds of applications, however if copying large number of items, it is probably worth considering the Array command. The different ways of achieving this is discussed here: