In AutoCAD, the selection box is a powerful tool that allows users to select multiple objects at once. It is an essential feature for efficiently editing and manipulating drawings. Let’s take a closer look at what the selection box is and how to use it effectively.
What is the Selection Box?
The selection box in AutoCAD is a rectangular area that you can define by clicking and dragging your mouse. When you release the mouse button, all the objects within the defined area are selected. This makes it easy to select multiple objects without having to individually click on each one.
Using the Selection Box
To use the selection box in AutoCAD, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Activate the selection tool by typing “SELECT” in the command line or by clicking on the “Select Objects” button located on the Home tab of the ribbon.
- Step 2: Click and hold your left mouse button at one corner of the area you want to select.
- Step 3: While holding down your left mouse button, drag your cursor diagonally to create a rectangle that encompasses all the objects you want to select.
- Step 4: Release your left mouse button to complete the selection.
The Power of Window and Crossing Selection
The selection box offers two different modes: window selection and crossing selection. These modes determine how AutoCAD selects objects that intersect with or are completely enclosed within the defined area.
In Window Selection mode, only objects completely enclosed within the selection box will be selected. Any object partially outside or inside of this area will not be included in the selection.
In Crossing Selection mode, objects that intersect with or are completely enclosed within the selection box will be selected. This means that even objects partially outside or inside of the selection box will be included in the selection.
To switch between these modes, you can either press the CTRL key while creating the selection box or use the “Selection Modes” drop-down menu located on the status bar at the bottom of the AutoCAD window.
Tips for Using the Selection Box Effectively
To make the most out of the selection box, consider these tips:
- Use Zoom and Pan: Zooming in and panning around your drawing can help you accurately define your selection area, especially when working on complex or crowded drawings.
- Combine with Other Selection Methods: The selection box is just one of many ways to select objects in AutoCAD. You can combine it with other methods like individual object selection, named object filters, or custom filters to refine your selections further.
- Selecting Objects Behind Others: If there are objects in your drawing that are behind others and you want to select them using a selection box, you can use a combination of window and crossing selections. First, create a window selection to include all objects in front.
Then, hold down the SHIFT key and create a crossing selection that includes both front and back objects. This way, only the back objects will remain selected.
- Selecting Entire Drawings: To select all objects in an entire drawing quickly, simply type “ALL” in the command line and press enter after activating the select tool. This selects everything within your drawing.
Conclusion
The selection box is a valuable tool in AutoCAD that allows you to select multiple objects efficiently. By using the selection box, you can save time and streamline your editing workflow. Remember to explore different selection modes and combine the selection box with other methods to make the most out of this powerful feature.