> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enercalc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enercalc.com/e3d-training-manual/building-the-model/general-modeling-theory/grids.md). # Grids How to set up and use optional drawing grids as snap points and visual aids for constructing model geometry. Grids are a graphical aid for model construction. They are completely optional, and can be turned on and off by **View > Toggle Grid Display**, or by toggling the F7 key. Grids can be useful for a few purposes: * Provide a sense of orientation in the beginning, when very few members have been placed. * Helpful for establishing a sense of scale in the early stages of modeling. * Most important use is geometric control in the form of creating snap points to known coordinates when constructing model geometry. ![](https://3750289988-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRZtG5Ynp58kYzLHYbR7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-5b27b02a4a7f8e94a447f2f77d91c7ea23df757a%2FGrid%20system.jpg?alt=media) **Defining Grids:** 1. Click **View > Drawing Grid Setup**. 2. Specify the desired spacings of dots in one, two or all three global axis input fields. * Specifying spacings in only one axis input box will create a line of dots along that axis. * Specifying spacings in two axes input boxes will generate a two-dimensional array of dots that lies in the plane of the two axes specified, and is probably the most commonly used. * Specifying spacings in three axes input boxes will generate a three-dimensional array of dots, which can sometimes be difficult to interpret if the dot spacing is too close. * Spacings can automatically be generated with syntax like 20\@0.5. * Spacings can also be manually specified with comma delimited lists such as 30, 30, 28, 30, 30. 3. Specify the insertion point coordinates to move the defined grid around in the global coordinate system if necessary. 4. Specify a rotation angle and axis of rotation if necessary. * Can be useful for defining members or shells that lie in a sloping plane, such as a roof. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.enercalc.com/e3d-training-manual/building-the-model/general-modeling-theory/grids.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.