How Do You Select Multiple Objects in AutoCAD?

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How Do You Select Multiple Objects in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a powerful software used for creating 2D and 3D drawings. One of the essential tasks in AutoCAD is selecting multiple objects efficiently.

Whether you want to modify, move, copy, or delete objects, selecting them collectively can save you a significant amount of time. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to select multiple objects in AutoCAD.

Selecting Objects using Window Selection

Window selection is a popular method for selecting multiple objects within a specified area. To use this method:

  • Step 1: Click on the Select tool located on the Ribbon or enter “SELECT” in the command line.
  • Step 2: Move your cursor to one corner of the rectangular area that covers the desired objects.
  • Step 3: Click and hold the left mouse button while dragging the cursor to create a selection window that encompasses all the objects you want to select.
  • Step 4: Release the mouse button to complete the selection.

Selecting Objects using Crossing Selection

Crossing selection is another useful technique for selecting multiple objects within and outside a specified area. Here’s how you can use it:

  • Step 1: Activate the Select tool as mentioned above.
  • Step 2: Move your cursor to one corner of the rectangular area that covers both desired and undesired objects.
  • Step 3: Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard.
  • Step 4: Click and hold the left mouse button while dragging the cursor to create a selection window that encompasses all the objects you want to select.
  • Step 5: Release the mouse button and then release the Shift key to complete the selection. This method allows you to deselect undesired objects that were initially within the selection window.

Selecting Objects using Fence Selection

In some scenarios, selecting objects using a freehand shape is more efficient than using rectangular windows. AutoCAD offers a feature called Fence Selection for this purpose:

  • Step 1: Activate the Select tool from the Ribbon or command line.
  • Step 2: Type “FENCE” in the command line and press Enter.
  • Step 3: Create a freehand shape by clicking points around the desired objects. The line that connects these points represents your fence selection.
  • Step 4: Double-click or press Enter to complete the fence selection.

Selecting Objects using Named Selection Sets

If you frequently work with specific groups of objects, AutoCAD allows you to create named selection sets. This feature simplifies selecting multiple objects repeatedly. To create a named selection set:

  • Step 1: Select one or more objects using any of the above methods.
  • Step 2: Right-click and choose “Add to Selection Set” from the context menu.
  • Step 3: In the dialog box that appears, enter a name for your selection set and click OK.

Now, whenever you need to select those objects again, you can simply enter the name of the selection set in the command line or use the “Select Objects” tool from the Ribbon.

In Conclusion

Selecting multiple objects efficiently is a crucial skill for working with AutoCAD. By using various selection methods like window selection, crossing selection, fence selection, and named selection sets, you can streamline your workflow and save valuable time. Practice these techniques regularly to become proficient in selecting multiple objects in AutoCAD.