| Application | PLAXIS 2D PLAXIS 3D |
| Version | All Versions |
| Date created | 03 April 2026 |
| Date modified | 03 April 2026 |
| Original author | Amrendra Thakur - Technical Support Group |
| Keywords | PLAXIS, Grid, Precision, Snap, Interval, Alignment |
Overview
In PLAXIS, grid snapping allows geometry to be placed accurately by snapping to predefined grid locations. The snapping distance is controlled through the grid spacing and snap interval settings, allowing placement precision to be refined without modifying the main grid.
By adjusting snap intervals, it is possible to work at smaller increments (for example, fractions of a meter or a foot) while keeping the overall grid spacing unchanged. This improves accuracy and consistency when creating or editing geometry.
Default Grid Spacing
By default, in both PLAXIS 2D and PLAXIS 3D, the grid spacing is defined as 1 project length unit (for example, 1 m or 1 ft, depending on the project unit settings).
This defined spacing can be refined by defining snap intervals, which subdivide the main grid into smaller, equally spaced snapping points or lines.
Note: The Snap to grid option in PLAXIS 2D and PLAXIS 3D is activated by default.
In PLAXIS 2D, the option is found at the bottom of your drawing area.
In PLAXIS 3D, the option is found under the Options menu.
PLAXIS 2D – Snapping Settings
In PLAXIS 2D, snapping occurs to grid lines.
To access the snapping settings:
- Click the Snapping options icon at the bottom of the drawing canvas.
- In the Snapping window, define the Number of snap intervals.
The Number of snap intervals divides the main grid spacing into equal parts, allowing snapping at finer distances while keeping the original grid unchanged.
Note: You can always adjust the Spacing, to adjust the size of the grid cells, indicated by crossing perpendicular lines on the drawing area.
Snapping setting in PLAXIS 2D
Example – Refining Grid Precision
Assume the grid spacing is set to 1 m.
- If 4 snap intervals are defined, the 1 m spacing is divided into four equal parts.
- This enables snapping at 0.25 m increments.
- Geometry can be placed more precisely without changing the primary grid spacing.
This approach is particularly useful when modelling structural elements, excavation boundaries, or interfaces that require accurate alignment.
Drawing with Spacing of 1m and Number of snap intervals at 4 in PLAXIS 2D.
PLAXIS 3D – Snapping Settings
In PLAXIS 3D, snapping occurs to grid points rather than grid lines.
To access the grid snapping settings:
- Open the Options menu.
- Select Visualisation settings.
- Locate the Grid options and define the Intervals parameter.
By adjusting the Intervals value, the main grid spacing is subdivided into smaller snapping increments.
Note: You can always adjust the Spacing, to adjust the distance between the grid points. Points of the grid are shown in the rulers which are displayed at the location of the mouse cursor when a drawing tool is selected.
Snapping grid options in PLAXIS 3D
Drawing with Spacing of 1m and Number of snap intervals at 4 in PLAXIS 3D.
Note: The parameter is called Number of snap intervals in PLAXIS 2D and Intervals in PLAXIS 3D, but both control the same snapping functionality.
Practical Notes
- To utilise the snapping to the defined grid when drawing geometry, ensure the Snap to grid option is activated.
- Snap intervals affect geometry placement only; they do not influence mesh density or element size.
- Mesh coarseness can be controlled separately in the Mesh mode.
- Using snap intervals helps maintain clean, well-aligned geometry, which can reduce modelling errors and improve overall model consistency.