diff --git a/pcbnew/class_drawsegment.h b/pcbnew/class_drawsegment.h
index 7316b4e554..3c5667ebd6 100644
--- a/pcbnew/class_drawsegment.h
+++ b/pcbnew/class_drawsegment.h
@@ -69,6 +69,11 @@ public:
     /// skip the linked list stuff, and parent
     const DRAWSEGMENT& operator = ( const DRAWSEGMENT& rhs );
 
+    static inline bool ClassOf( const EDA_ITEM *aItem )
+    {
+        return aItem && PCB_LINE_T == aItem->Type();
+    }
+
     void SetWidth( int aWidth )             { m_Width = aWidth; }
     int GetWidth() const                    { return m_Width; }
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/class_pad.h b/pcbnew/class_pad.h
index c68596bd29..339b4dc65b 100644
--- a/pcbnew/class_pad.h
+++ b/pcbnew/class_pad.h
@@ -94,6 +94,11 @@ public:
                                     ///< used for edge board connectors
     static LSET UnplatedHoleMask(); ///< layer set for a mechanical unplated through hole pad
 
+    static inline bool ClassOf( const EDA_ITEM *aItem )
+    {
+        return aItem && PCB_PAD_T == aItem->Type();
+    }
+
     void Copy( D_PAD* source );
 
     D_PAD* Next() const       { return static_cast<D_PAD*>( Pnext ); }
diff --git a/pcbnew/class_pcb_text.h b/pcbnew/class_pcb_text.h
index 7a6d853704..9bdcd2a720 100644
--- a/pcbnew/class_pcb_text.h
+++ b/pcbnew/class_pcb_text.h
@@ -49,6 +49,11 @@ public:
 
     ~TEXTE_PCB();
 
+    static inline bool ClassOf( const EDA_ITEM *aItem )
+    {
+        return aItem && PCB_TEXT_T == aItem->Type();
+    }
+
     virtual const wxPoint& GetPosition() const
     {
         return m_Pos;