How Do I Count Similar Selections in AutoCAD?

Are you struggling with counting similar selections in AutoCAD? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

In this tutorial, we will explore various methods to efficiently count similar selections in AutoCAD. So let’s dive right in.

Method 1: Selection Cycling

If you have multiple objects stacked on top of each other, selection cycling can be a lifesaver. To enable selection cycling, type SELECTIONCYCLING in the command line and set it to 1 (on). Now, when you select an object and there are multiple overlapping objects, a dialog box will appear allowing you to cycle through the selections.

Method 2: Quick Select

The Quick Select tool is another powerful feature that helps count similar selections. To access it, type QSELECT in the command line or navigate to the Modify menu and select Quick Select.

In the Quick Select dialog box, define your selection criteria based on properties such as layer, color, linetype, etc. Once you’ve set your criteria, click OK, and AutoCAD will display the number of objects matching your selection.

Method 3: Filter

The Filter command allows you to create complex queries to find specific objects based on their properties. To use this command, type FILTER in the command line or go to Home, then click on the drop-down arrow next to Select. From the menu that appears, select Select Similar.

In the Filter dialog box, define your search criteria by selecting properties such as layer name or color. Once defined, click on Add to List and then OK. AutoCAD will now display the number of objects that match your filter criteria.

Method 4: Lisp Routine

If you frequently need to count similar selections, using a Lisp routine can save you time. A Lisp routine is a script written in AutoLISP programming language.

There are various Lisp routines available online that can be easily loaded into AutoCAD. Once loaded, these routines provide additional functionality, including counting similar selections. Simply follow the installation instructions provided with the Lisp routine and run the respective command to count your selections.

Method 5: Manual Counting

If none of the above methods work for your specific requirements, you can always resort to manual counting. Select each object manually and keep track of the count yourself. While this method may be time-consuming for large numbers of objects, it is a reliable way to get an accurate count.

In conclusion, AutoCAD offers several methods for counting similar selections. Whether you prefer using built-in tools like selection cycling and Quick Select or opt for more advanced options like filtering or Lisp routines, there is a solution that fits your needs. Experiment with these different methods and find the one that works best for you!