Are you working on a complex AutoCAD drawing and need to select objects that you have previously selected? AutoCAD offers several methods to help you accomplish this task efficiently. In this tutorial, we will explore different techniques to select previously selected objects in AutoCAD.
Using the Previous Selection Set
AutoCAD maintains a record of your previous selection set, which allows you to easily select those objects again without having to individually pick them. To access the previous selection set, you can use the P keyboard shortcut or click on the Previous Selection Set button located on the status bar at the bottom of the AutoCAD window.
The Previous Selection Set dialog box will appear, displaying a list of all the objects that were previously selected. You can simply click on an object in the list to select it again. To select multiple objects from the previous selection set, hold down the Ctrl key while clicking on each object.
Selecting Objects by Window/Crossing Selections
In addition to using the previous selection set, AutoCAD provides powerful selection tools that allow you to specify a window or crossing area to select objects. These tools can also be used in conjunction with selecting previously selected objects.
To use a window selection, type W on your keyboard or click on the Select Window button located on the status bar. Then, click and drag your cursor from left to right to create a rectangular window. Any objects fully enclosed within this window will be selected.
If you want to use crossing selection instead, type C or click on the Select Crossing Window button. Click and drag your cursor from right to left to create a crossing area. Any objects that intersect with this area will be selected.
Filtering Selections
AutoCAD also allows you to filter your selections based on specific criteria. This feature is particularly useful when you want to select objects that share common properties, such as layer, color, or linetype.
To filter your selection, type F on your keyboard or click on the Select Filters button located on the status bar. The Select Filters dialog box will appear, allowing you to define the criteria for your selection. For example, if you want to select all objects on a specific layer, you can choose the Layer option and specify the desired layer name.
Selecting Objects by Name
If you know the name of an object that you have previously selected, AutoCAD provides a quick way to select it using the N keyboard shortcut or by clicking on the Select Name button located on the status bar.
In the Select Name dialog box, enter the name of the object in the search field and click on the Add to List button. The object will be added to the selection set. Repeat this process for multiple objects if needed.
In Conclusion
Selecting previously selected objects in AutoCAD doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. By utilizing features like the previous selection set, window/crossing selections, filtering options, and selecting by name, you can quickly and effortlessly work with your desired objects.
Remember to practice these techniques regularly to become proficient in selecting previously selected objects in AutoCAD. Happy drafting!