diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_layer_widget.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_layer_widget.cpp
index ffcdd796d0..fee62612c3 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_layer_widget.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_layer_widget.cpp
@@ -726,7 +726,7 @@ void PCB_LAYER_WIDGET::OnRenderEnable( int aId, bool isEnabled )
             galCanvas->GetGAL()->SetGridVisibility( myframe->IsGridVisible() );
             galCanvas->GetView()->MarkTargetDirty( KIGFX::TARGET_NONCACHED );
         }
-        else if ( aId == LAYER_RATSNEST )
+        else if( aId == LAYER_RATSNEST )
         {
             // don't touch the layers. ratsnest is enabled on per-item basis.
             galCanvas->GetView()->MarkTargetDirty( KIGFX::TARGET_NONCACHED );
diff --git a/pcbnew/tool_pcb_editor.cpp b/pcbnew/tool_pcb_editor.cpp
index 2149aa6bb8..be222bbeca 100644
--- a/pcbnew/tool_pcb_editor.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/tool_pcb_editor.cpp
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@
 #include <pcbnew_id.h>
 #include <hotkeys.h>
 #include <pcb_layer_box_selector.h>
+#include <view/view.h>
 
 #include <wx/wupdlock.h>
 #include <memory>
@@ -770,6 +771,14 @@ void PCB_EDIT_FRAME::OnSelectOptionToolbar( wxCommandEvent& event )
         OnModify();
         Compile_Ratsnest( NULL, true );
 
+        if( IsGalCanvasActive() )
+        {
+            // keep the ratsnest layer enabled in view, so it shows up when an item is dragged
+            auto view = GetGalCanvas()->GetView();
+            view->MarkTargetDirty( KIGFX::TARGET_NONCACHED );
+            view->SetLayerVisible( LAYER_RATSNEST, true );
+        }
+
         m_canvas->Refresh();
         break;