How To Make Cool Stuff?? Parts Won't Attach

[KBoy420]

So I'm sure this is a simple question but I need help with building. Is there a cheat sheet with all the hot keys? Anyway, I see all these posts on here of what you guys create, and most of the stuff is just mind blowing. I have so much trouble getting parts to attach, so I mess around with symmetry options and angle snap on/off, etc. But I look at some of the plans, and see that many use 20 or 30 individuals wings to create a single large wing. How do you even do this? When I try to attach part with angle snap off, I can place them, and even when they intersect with other parts, they don't "attach" if that makes sense. And when you go to launch, those non-attached parts are not part of the vessel upon launch. Am I missing something? My creativity has been curbed due to my lack of understanding on how to build things. Thanks.

[EdFred]

It's amazing what the first result is (I used Bing) when you search for "KSP Hot Keys"

http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Key_Bindings

[KBoy420]

It's amazing what the first result is (I used Bing) when you search for "KSP Hot Keys"

http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Key_Bindings

Well that answers the first part of my question...the more pressing issue is why I am unable to get parts to "attach". Google searching isn't providing any meaningful answer for me. Thanks.

[moronwrocket]

Basically, the location where the mouse pointer is holding the new part is where it will try to attach. This is typically in the center of the part. So if you want to attach two wing pieces, the pointer itself needs to be touching the first piece at the edge you want to attach. You might need to go +- vertical a little to get the game to recognize the first piece as a valid attach point. Once attached, you can use the offset tool to move the part as far off the first part you like, as long as they still touch (in my experience).

Some pieces require a node, some don't. You can use clipping to create a node with a cubic octagonal struct or modular girder.

Holding the ALT key down forces an item to only attach to a node. Useful for attaching things like fuel tanks that can node and surface attach, to only attach to a node.

Edited February 2, 2015 by moronwrocket

[KBoy420]

Hugely helpful. Also explains why I could not attach a rover to a decoupler that I was trying to make. Thanks. So what you are saying is that you may need to select parts, place them in the screen, and then grab them at exactly the point you want to connect at? Ok thanks.

[Sigma88]

you can also use the building tools to move stuff around (hotkeys: [1]=Place [2]=offset [3]=rotate [4]=Change root)

I usually try to get it close enough and then refine it with those (remember to turn off angle snap for offset and rotate or it will make your life miserable)

[SlabGizor117]

The 4. Change root might be helpful for something like what you tried, attaching a rover to a decoupler.

You know how when you pick up your whole spacecraft, you have to pick it up by the first part you placed? That's the root part. If you press 4, you have to click a part, I'm not sure what exactly it does, so I click the original root part as in, say, my capsule, and then you click the new root part you want.

So if you have a rover with a cubic octagonal strut on the top that you want to attach to your decoupler, click new root (4) and click your original part, for example your probe core if it's unmanned then click the cubic octagonal strut. Then you can pick up the whole rover by the strut and place it on the decoupler

Also, in case it's confusing, the node is the green attachment point on ends of fuel tanks and such.

Hope this helps!

-Slab