Use the alignment grid to snap front panel and block diagram objects to consistent positions as you are placing objects.

To use the alignment grid to align objects as you place them, complete the following steps.

  1. If necessary, complete the following steps to display the alignment grid and enable grid alignment.
    OptionDescription
    Options dialog
    1. Select Tools » Options... » Front Panel or Tools » Options... » Block Diagram.
    2. Place checkmarks in the Show front panel grid or Show block diagram grid checkboxes.

      This option displays the alignment grid but does not restrict the placement of objects to the grid.

    3. Place a checkmark in the corresponding Enable grid alignment checkbox.

      This option restricts the placement of objects to the alignment grid.

    4. Click OK to close Options and save the changes.
    Edit menu
    1. Select Edit » Enable Panel Grid Alignment or Edit » Enable Diagram Grid Alignment.

      You can also use Ctrl+#[1]1 On French keyboards, Ctrl+". For macOS, Command+*. For Linux, Alt+#..

    2. If the grid is not already displayed, select Show Grid.
  2. Select an object to place from the Controls or Functions palette.

    As you move objects before you place them, a red outline indicates how the object aligns with the grid.

  3. Optional: To toggle between restricting the object to the grid and allowing free placement, press G.
  4. Click to add the object to the front panel window or the block diagram window.

You can toggle grid alignment to manually align objects to the visible grid. Select Edit » Disable Panel Grid Alignment or Edit » Disable Diagram Grid Alignment. You can also use the keyboard shortcut to toggle this setting.

To set grid options for all new VIs, use the grid options on the Options... » Front Panel or Options... » Block Diagram.

To set the size of the grid for the current VI, use File » VI Properties.

1 On French keyboards, Ctrl+". For macOS, Command+*. For Linux, Alt+#.