How do I enable snap-to-grid by default on Mac OS X?

Question

I'm setting up a new Mac, and when I drag icons on my desktop (or in Windows, if I switch them to icon view), the icons don't snap into place unless I hold the command key down.

I can't recall how to make that "snap-to-grid" the default. And I can't find it in the Finder's View Options or Preferences.

Solution 1

With the desktop active, under the View menu, choose Show View Options (or cmd-J) and select Snap to Grid in the Arrange by drop-down.

Still available under later versions of OS X, but now in the Sort by drop-down (still under Show View Options):

Solution 2

Apple (command) + J, under View Options there is a drop down at the bottom "Arrange By:" select "Snap to Grid."

Solution 3

Right click on the desktop, and click Sort by there should be a 'snap to grid' option

Comments

[Andreas]

The picture saved me. The Swedish translation of this preference was so non-descriptive that I was staring at it without realizing what it was.

[DavidPostill]

This is really a comment and not an answer to the original question. You can always comment on your own posts, and once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post. Please read Why do I need 50 reputation to comment? What can I do instead?