Measuring distances/snap cursor to grid/showing grid

[Rene_Poschl]

@DiBosco

to set (in this latest case) the grid (in mm) to 1.3, 2.9

However, the cursor position still moves in 0.005mm steps! Can this be changed?

you need to select the user grid for the grid settings to become active
A detailed explanation is found in the Tutorial: How to make a footprint in KiCad 5.1.x? - #2 by Rene_Poschl (section Adding the mounting pads using the user grid.)

@DiBosco

From searching I believe to measure distances you have to hit space bar to set a measurement start place and then move the cursor and something will tell you the relative distance.

This was the only way in version 4. Since version 5 there is a measurement tool available that gives easy to understand feedback. (left click to start, move mouse and see the tape measure, another leftclick to fix the endpoint till the next action is taken.)

Found in inspect → measure (version 5.1)

@DiBosco

The grid doesn’t show up. Even with the grid box ticked in the render tab, I get nowt! I also can’t change its colour. Are these known bugs or am I missing something?

Might be that it shows up but you do not see it. check in the preferences -> preferences -> (pcb_new/footprint editor) -> display options if you have selected dot, small cross or lines and how the thickness is set.