Defining CAM Editor Drawing Mode Preferences for Altium Designer
Created: September 17, 2021 | Updated: November 11, 2021
| Applies to version: 21
This document is no longer available beyond version 21.0. Information can now be found here: CAM Editor - Drawing Modes Preferences for version 25
The CAM Editor - Drawing Mode page of the Preferences dialog
Summary
The CAM Editor – Drawing Modes page of the Preferences dialog provides controls relating to your preferred object snap method, the display of the grid, and the ability to draw, edit, or and measure in specific modes.
Access
This page is part of the main Preferences dialog that is accessed by clicking the 
control in the upper-right corner of the design space then selecting the Drawing Modes entry under the CAM Editor folder.
Options/Controls
Grid
- On/Off - enable this option to display the grid. The cursor will not snap to the displayed grid unless the Object Snap setting has been set to the grid.
- Size: X:Y (mil) - enter a X:Y sizes value in this field. The X, Y sizes display the grid. You may use independent X and Y values (i.e. X=100.0, Y=50.0).
Object Snap
- Object Snap - enable this option to ensure that placed objects pull the cursor into position based on cursor proximity to the selected object snap point.
Modes
- Ortho - enable this option to activate Ortho Mode. In this mode, you can draw, edit, or measure at 90-degree increments on the CAM document.
- Blips - enable this option to enter Blips mode. This mode is used as a tool to help you see the location that is selected by the mouse. A reference '+' symbol will appear for each Left-Click. These reference symbols are temporary and will disappear when the CAM document is refreshed.
Units
- English - enable this option to use imperial measure units in inches (in).
- Metric - enable this option to use metric units in millimeters (mm).
Arc Direction
- Clockwise - enable this option to define the direction of arcs clockwise. Regardless of the direction setting, the direction of arcs can be changed individually as they are drawn.
- C - Clockwise - enable this option to define the direction of arcs counterclockwise. Regardless of the direction setting, the direction of arcs can be changed individually as they are drawn.