The Grids tab not only provides a way to add a new grid to your map, but it also gives you options to manage existing grids and graticules of a data frame. If you are interested in creating grid or graticule features that draw in data view, you might want to look into using grid and graticule layers. Graticules created through the Data Frame Properties dialog box are drawn on It also provides access to Grids and Graticules Wizard or Reference System Selector. ‘Squares’ spacing will be relative to the dimensions of the reference image, rather than the canvas (so both images will show the same number of lines down and across, but the proportions may differ).The Grids tab of the Data Frame Properties dialog box provides a way to add and manage grids and graticules of a data frame.

However, the shape and pixel size of the squares will be the same. ‘Pixel’ spacing will reflect the actual pixel size of the Reference image, so you may have a different number of squares across differently sized references and the main canvas. It can be toggled on and off using the global “Show Grid” option. The Reference image grid will use the same settings as the canvas. The grid will also appear on your reference images to act as a guideline for proportions.

Will readjust dimensions if the canvas is cropped or expanded.Will be a fixed size relative to the total canvas when the canvas is resized.You can divide the canvas into proportional segments or create columns and rows.Allow you to set the exact number of grid lines across and down the canvas.Squares will remain a fixed size if you change the canvas, so will shift position relative to your drawing.They may overlap the edge of the canvas.Will create squares based on an exact pixel measurement.They start from the top left corner by default unless you pick “Center Grid” (this affects whether they shift relative to your drawing when you crop or resize).Both have sliders for changing the size, or the option to set a number between 4 and 200.These can be chosen via the drop down menu and will act differently when you crop and resize your canvas. You have two different grid options: Pixels and Squares. The Color Sampler, Text and Fill tools do not use Snap To Grid. You can adjust the amount of smoothing to control how strong the effect is. Snap To Grid and Individual ToolsĪll painting and drawing tools will follow the lines, as will Selections and placement of objects using Transform.Īuto-smoothing (with the Ink Pen or Pencil tools) will smooth the lines out after they are drawn, allowing you to create even curves. If you wish to use the Grid purely as a reference tool, then this function is easily turned off again. This will let you create geometric designs, and borders, as well as use consistent measurements across your painting and plan out your composition and perspective. The Snap To Grid option will force your lines to follow the path of the grid lines. The thickness of the grid lines will self adjust as the size changes.The line color can be changed to any available hue in the color picker.Snap To Grid is the only option that can be toggled while the grid is invisible.The visibility can be toggled on and off, or adjusted using the opacity slider.The grid appears as an overlay on your painting (much as a tracing image would) and is not visible on exported or printed images.You can also open the Grid, or quickly toggle the Grid visibility and the Snap To Grid setting by going to View > Grids. All the menu settings can be changed as you paint. The Grid menu can be opened from the crosshatch symbol that can be found in the top row of buttons or by going to View > Grids.

How to turn off grid on desktop