How Do I Select Multiple Items in AutoCAD?

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AutoCAD is a powerful software that allows users to create and manipulate 2D and 3D designs. One common task in AutoCAD is selecting multiple items at once.

This can save you time and effort when editing or modifying your drawings. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to select multiple items in AutoCAD.

Method 1: Window Selection

The window selection method is one of the easiest ways to select multiple items in AutoCAD. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. First, activate the selection mode by clicking on the “Select” icon in the toolbar or by typing “SELECT” in the command line.
  2. To select objects within a rectangular area, click and drag your cursor from left to right (or vice versa) to create a selection window. Any object that intersects with the window will be selected.
  3. If you want to select objects only completely enclosed within the window, hold down the “Shift” key while creating the selection window.

Note: The window selection method works well when you have a clear boundary around the objects you want to select.

Method 2: Crossing Selection

The crossing selection method is similar to window selection but allows you to select objects both inside and outside of the selection area. Here’s how you can use crossing selection:

  1. Activate the selection mode by clicking on the “Select” icon or typing “SELECT” in the command line.
  2. To create a crossing selection, click and drag your cursor from right to left (or vice versa) to create a crossing window. Objects that intersect with or are completely enclosed within this crossing window will be selected.

Note: The crossing selection method is useful when you want to select objects that are both inside and outside of the selection area.

Method 3: Fence Selection

The fence selection method allows you to create a freehand selection shape to select multiple items. Follow these steps:

  1. Activate the selection mode by clicking on the “Select” icon or typing “SELECT” in the command line.
  2. Type “FENCE” in the command line and press Enter.
  3. Click points to draw a freehand shape around the objects you want to select. The fence will snap to existing object snap points, making it easier to create an accurate selection shape.
  4. To complete the fence selection, right-click or press Enter. AutoCAD will select any objects that intersect with or are completely enclosed within the fence.

Note: The fence selection method is great for selecting irregularly shaped or scattered objects.

Method 4: Select Similar

In AutoCAD, you can also use the “Select Similar” tool to quickly select multiple items of similar properties. This method is useful when you have a large number of similar objects in your drawing. Here’s how it works:

  1. Select an object with properties (e.g., color, layer, linetype) similar to those you want to select.
  2. Right-click on the selected object and choose “Select Similar” from the context menu.
  3. All objects with similar properties will be selected automatically.

Note: The “Select Similar” tool is a powerful way to quickly select multiple items based on their shared properties.

In Conclusion

Selecting multiple items in AutoCAD is a fundamental skill that can greatly enhance your productivity. Whether you prefer window selection, crossing selection, fence selection, or the “Select Similar” tool, each method offers its own advantages. By mastering these selection techniques, you can efficiently work with complex drawings and make precise modifications.