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

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):

"Snap to Grid" under OS X 10.8, Mountain Lion

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