How Do You Select Multiple Items in AutoCAD?

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In AutoCAD, selecting multiple items can be a time-saving technique when you need to perform actions on multiple objects simultaneously. Whether you want to move, copy, delete, or modify several elements at once, the ability to select multiple items in AutoCAD is an essential skill for efficient drafting and design work.

Selecting Multiple Items Using Basic Selection Methods

AutoCAD offers various methods to select multiple items. Let’s explore some of the basic selection techniques:

Window Selection

The window selection method is one of the most commonly used techniques in AutoCAD. It allows you to select objects within a rectangular boundary defined by dragging a window or crossing the objects with a crossing window.

To use this method:

  1. Click and hold the left mouse button at one corner of the rectangular area.
  2. Drag the cursor diagonally to create a selection window that encloses the desired objects.
  3. Release the mouse button to complete the selection.

Note: When creating a window selection, any object entirely inside or crossing through the boundary will be selected. Objects completely outside will not be selected.

Crossing Selection

The crossing selection method is similar to the window selection but selects objects both inside and crossing through the rectangular boundary.

  • Drag the cursor diagonally to create a crossing window that intersects with desired objects.

    • Selecting Multiple Items Using Advanced Selection Methods

    AutoCAD provides several advanced selection techniques for more precise selections:

    Selecting Objects with Filters

    Filters allow you to select multiple items based on specific properties, such as color, layer, or object type. This method is particularly useful when you want to select a specific subset of objects.

    To use this method:

    1. Click the “Filter” option on the selection toolbar or type “FILTER” in the command line.
    2. In the filter dialog box, specify the desired properties for your selection criteria.
    3. Click “OK” to confirm the filter settings.
    4. Select objects within the filtered set using any selection method mentioned earlier.

    Selecting Objects with a Selection Set

    A selection set is a named collection of objects that you can create and modify for future use. It allows you to quickly select multiple items by recalling a saved set.

    To create a selection set:

    1. Select the desired objects using any selection method mentioned earlier.
    2. Type “GROUP” in the command line and press Enter.
    3. Specify a name for your selection set and press Enter again.

    To recall a saved selection set:

    1. Type “GROUP” in the command line and press Enter.
    2. Select the desired group from the list displayed in the command window by entering its corresponding number or name.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Shift + Click: Hold down the Shift key while clicking individual objects to add them to an existing selection set.

    • Ctrl + Click: Hold down the Ctrl key while clicking individual objects to remove them from an existing selection set.

    • Selecting Overlapping Objects: If you have objects overlapping each other, use the “Fence” or “Polygonal” selection methods to precisely select specific items.

    Mastering the art of selecting multiple items in AutoCAD will significantly enhance your productivity. Whether you are working on complex architectural designs or simple drafting projects, knowing how to efficiently select and manipulate multiple objects is a valuable skill that every AutoCAD user should possess.

    So go ahead and practice these selection techniques! Happy drafting!