Select View > Snap to toggle snapping on or off.
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Create, open, and import images
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Create and manage layers
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Get started with layers
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Smart objects
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Make selections
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Refine and modify selections
- Move a selection or selection border
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- Hover layer bounds in the Move tool
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Create masks
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Repair and retouch
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Remove objects and fill space
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Clean and restore images
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Remove objects and fill space
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Adjust color
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Brushes and presets
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Draw shapes and paths
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Text and typography
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Effects and filters
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Artistic and stylize filters
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Use grids and measurement guides
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Measure and scale
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- Measure and position with the Ruler tool
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Add video and animation
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Create animation frames
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Save and export
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Position elements with snapping
Last updated on
Sep 29, 2026
Enable magnetic alignment to rulers, guides, grids, and layer edges for precise element placement.
Snap elements to rulers, guides, grids, and layer edges for precise positioning without manual measurement.
When you drag a selection, crop marquees, slice, shape, or path within approximately 8 pixels of a guide, grid line, document edge, or layer boundary, it automatically aligns to that target. This magnetic feature helps you create precise layouts quickly.
You can turn snapping on or off globally or hold a key while dragging to position elements freely.
Enable or disable snapping
A checkmark next to Snap indicates that snapping is currently enabled.
Tip
To temporarily disable snapping while using the Move tool, hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS) while dragging.
Configure snap targets
After you turn on snapping, choose which reference points work as snap targets. You can enable multiple targets simultaneously to create a flexible alignment system.
Select View > Snap To.
Select one or more targets.
A checkmark appears next to each active target.
Note
To enable only one target, turn off Snap, then select View > Snap To and choose your target. This turns on snapping for that target only and deselects all others.
Snap targets
Guides: Snaps to guide lines you've placed in your document. Use this to align elements to layout boundaries, margins, or specific measurement points. Learn how to create and manage guides.
Grid: Snaps to the document grid. Use this to create symmetrical layouts, maintain consistent spacing, or align elements at regular intervals. This option isn't available when the grid is hidden. Learn how to configure and display grids.
Layers: Snaps to the content boundaries of other layers. Use this to position elements relative to existing layer content, such as aligning text to an image edge or arranging multiple design elements with consistent spacing.
Slices: Snaps to slice boundaries in web or interface designs. Use this when dividing graphics for web export or preparing interface assets. This option isn't available when slices are hidden.
Document Bounds: Snaps to canvas edges. Use this to position elements flush with the document margins or to create full-bleed designs.
All: Turns on all snap targets at once for maximum alignment assistance when you want elements to snap to any available reference point.
None: Turns off all snap targets while keeping the Snap command enabled. Use this to clear your target selections quickly.
Snapping in different workflows
Snapping adapts to your current tool and task. When you move layers with the Move tool, they snap to all enabled targets. When you create selections or use shape tools, the tool edges snap as you drag.
For numeric positioning without snapping, use transform controls or enter values in the Options bar. For visual alignment with distance measurement, enable Smart Guides alongside snapping.
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