MICROSTATION-PERPENDICULAR SNAP

Are you in a 3D drawing file?

You say the snap isn't perpendicular like you would expect, but what does happen when you snap?

Could this be your problem: communities.bentley.com/.../48094

Erik,
The snap I get looks like a keypoint snap

2d drawing. I do not get any reaction from the compass but the snap I get looks and acts like the keypoint snap. I am using a multisnap option. Perhaps the keypoint has precedence over a manual selected snap option of perpendicular ?

I'm a little confused. Are you attempting to use a multisnap which has perpendicular as an option? I can tell you that the multisnap tool does not have perpendicular as an option. As for multisnap precedence, this can be changed by going to Settings>Snaps>Multisnaps and clicking and dragging the options in the order you want them to be prioritized. The perpendicular snap is a kind of it's own snap option because it only works when placing a smartline. This is a step-by-step process (from the help file) to use the perpendicular snap:

1. In the AccuSnap Settings dialog box, General tab, turn off Fixed Point for Perp./Tan. From.

2. Select either Perpendicular Snap, or Perpendicular Snap Point, as the active snap mode.

3. Move the pointer over the element, so that it is highlighted.

4. Enter a data point to accept the element.
As you move the pointer, the SmartLine segment is restricted to remaining perpendicular to the selected element.