AutoCAD is a powerful software that allows you to create and edit 2D and 3D drawings with precision. One common task you may encounter while working in AutoCAD is the need to select a specific part of a drawing.
Fortunately, AutoCAD provides several tools and techniques to help you accomplish this task efficiently. In this tutorial, we will explore some ways to select part of a drawing in AutoCAD.
Selecting Objects
To select part of a drawing in AutoCAD, you first need to understand how the software recognizes objects. In AutoCAD, objects can be individual entities such as lines, circles, or blocks, or they can be grouped together as part of a larger object.
Selection Methods
AutoCAD offers multiple selection methods that allow you to choose the desired objects accurately. Let’s take a look at some commonly used selection methods:
- Window Selection:
- Crossing Selection:
- Select All:
- Select Similar:
One way to select objects is by using the Window Selection method. To do this, first click and hold the left mouse button on one corner of the area you want to select.
Then drag the cursor diagonally across the objects you wish to include in your selection. Release the mouse button once you have encompassed all desired objects within the selection window.
The Crossing Selection method is similar to Window Selection but allows you to select objects that are either fully or partially inside or outside the selection window. To use this method, click and hold the left mouse button on one corner of your desired selection area and drag the cursor diagonally across it.
If you want to select all objects in your drawing quickly, simply type “ALL” on the command line and press Enter. This action will highlight all visible objects in the drawing.
In cases where you have multiple objects with similar properties, the Select Similar tool can be handy. It helps you select objects that share specific characteristics such as color, layer, or linetype. To use this tool, select an object with the desired properties and type “SELECTSIMILAR” on the command line followed by Enter.
Advanced Selection Methods
Sometimes, you may need to select more complex parts of a drawing that cannot be easily encompassed using a selection window. AutoCAD provides additional selection tools to tackle such situations:
Fence Selection
The Fence Selection method allows you to draw a freehand shape around the desired objects for selection. To use this method, enter “FENCE” on the command line and press Enter.
Then click at various points to define the shape of your fence. Once you complete the fence shape by clicking on the starting point again, all objects enclosed within it will be selected.
Object Selection Filters
AutoCAD offers Object Selection Filters, which allow you to specify criteria for selecting objects based on their properties. To access this feature, type “FILTER” on the command line and press Enter.
A dialog box will appear where you can define your filter criteria such as layer name, color, or linetype. Clicking “OK” will apply the filter and select all objects that match your specified criteria.
Conclusion
Selecting part of a drawing in AutoCAD is an essential skill that every user should master. By understanding and utilizing various selection methods like Window Selection, Crossing Selection, Select All, Select Similar, Fence Selection, and Object Selection Filters; you can efficiently choose specific parts of your drawings for editing or manipulation. Remember to practice these techniques regularly to improve your efficiency and productivity in AutoCAD.