A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and computer readable storage medium provides the ability to perform a three-dimensional (3D) modeling operation. A modeling tool is activated in a 3D modeling application. A visual representation (having three separate regions) of a grid system tool is displayed on a digital modeling canvas of the 3D modeling application. The grid system controls whether a gesture is captured as a modeling operation or a navigation operation. A starting touch event (of the gesture) is received in/on one of the three separate regions. The region where the starting touch event is received determines the operation that is to be performed/selected. The operation may be a 3D geometry creation operation, a restroking operation, or a navigation operation.