Illustrator Snapping Problems

Adobe Illustrator CS5 includes an invisible pixel grid on every document. By default, every new document uses this grid to snap objects. In most cases this is a benefit, as it helps ensure that objects are aligned as you intended them. In some circumstances, however, this can cause unexpected results. You can deselect this option at the bottom of the New Document dialog box, or in the Transform panel while you are working on a document. To see the grid your work is snapping to, select "Show Grid" from the View menu.

Fine Lines and Details

• Having fine lines or other small details snap to the pixel grid can distort your art work. Because the pixel grid is based on 1-pixel squares, lines that are less than a pixel wide or fine details such as corners can become distorted when they snap to the grid. For example, a 0.5 pt. is rounded up to 1 pt. and a 2.4 pt. line is rounded down to 2 pts. Deselect the "Align to Pixel Grid" option if you plan to use fine lines or details in your work.

Snapping to Objects in Artboards

• In Illustrator CS5 you can have multiple artboards in the same document. Each artboard uses its own grid coordinates based on its own rulers. If you create an object, when it snaps to the pixel grid, it may not be in the proper alignment for the artboard. To prevent objects from being misaligned on the artboard when you use Artboard Edit to move or change the size of the artboard, use the Artboard Edit Control panel to make sure the artboard coordinates the use whole numbers.

Anti-Aliasing

• Sometimes snapping can deform your work when anti-aliasing is enabled. For example, if you draw a path or line that is a pixel wide that is not exactly on the grid, the snap moves the line so it aligns with the grid. At the same time, anti-aliasing attempts to preserve the original line. The result can be a line that is 2 pixels wide, and in a lighter color than you originally drew it. To work around this, deselect "Anti-Aliasing" or "Align to Pixel Grid," or ensure that your lines are exactly on the grid when drawing them.

Converting Text to Objects

• Adobe Illustrator uses different algorithms for anti-aliasing text compared to those it uses for objects. If you convert text to outlines, or otherwise convert the text to an object, the text can become distorted when it snaps to the pixel grid. The smaller the text is, the more pronounced these distortions can be, such as the lines of a letter becoming thicker or thinner than they should be. To prevent this, retain the text whenever possible without converting it to an object, or turn off the "Align to Pixel Grid" setting before converting it.