Intersection and Apparent Intersect Osnaps

Recently I presented a Webcast about how to use Object Snaps in AutoCAD to improve precision, accuracy, and speed up the drawing and drafting process. I demonstrated some of the available Object snaps during the session. There was a question about the difference between the Apparent Intersect osnap and the Intersection osnap. I will explain the working of those two object snaps which will clarify the difference between the two. 

If you want to check out the Object Snaps in AutoCAD webcast, you can click here to view it.

Intersection object snap

Intersection is the point where two lines or shapes meet and the Intersection osnap snaps to the intersection of two objects.

1.     In the Status Bar, toggle on  (Object Snap) and select Intersection in the object snap list.

2.     Start a command, such as Circle.

3.     Instead of clicking a point to specify the center of the circle, hover the cursor near the intersection point. Note that the Intersection osnap symbol (green cross) displays at the precise point of intersection. A tooltip with the Intersection label also displays near the cursor.

4.     Click to snap to that precise intersection point. This becomes the center of the circle.

5.     Specify the radius/diameter to create the circle.

Apparent Intersect object snap

Apparent Intersection snaps to the visual intersection of two geometric objects.

1.     Start a command, such as Circle.

2.     Instead of clicking a point to specify the center of the circle, press <Shift> on the keyboard and right-click to open the object snap shortcut menu. 

3.     Select Apparent Intersect in the object snap shortcut menu.

4.     Hover the cursor over one of the incomplete diagonal lines. Note that the Extented Apparent Int osnap symbol displays at the line. A tooltip with the label also displays near the cursor.

5.     Click to specify this as the first intersection geometry.

6.     Hover the cursor near the second intersection geometry. The Intersection osnap symbol (green cross) displays at the imaginary point of intersection of the two geometries. A tooltip with the Intersection label also displays near the cursor.

7.     Click to snap to this precise intersection point. This becomes the center of the circle.

8.     Specify the radius/diameter to create the circle.

You will get a detailed explanation about the various object snaps in our AutoCAD 2026 Essentials learning guide which is available for you on Amazon as well as on our ASCENT eStore.

About the Author

Learning Content Developer<br><br>Renu is a learning content developer for AutoCAD and AutoCAD Toolsets, Autodesk 3ds Max, and other Autodesk products. She has over 25 years of experience working with Autodesk products and specializes in AutoCAD and design visualization software. She enjoys sharing her knowledge via blogs and webcasts and uses her instructional design expertise to create effective learning content for Autodesk software users. Renu holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering.

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