AutoCAD is a powerful software used by architects, engineers, and designers for creating precise and accurate drawings. One of the essential features in AutoCAD is the selection box tool, which allows users to select specific objects or areas within a drawing. There are several types of selection boxes available in AutoCAD, each with its own unique functionality and purpose.
The Crossing Selection Box
The crossing selection box is the most commonly used selection method in AutoCAD. It allows you to select objects that are entirely or partially enclosed by the boundary of the selection box.
To use this tool, simply click and drag from left to right or right to left to create a rectangular boundary. Any object that intersects or falls within this boundary will be selected.
The Window Selection Box
The window selection box is similar to the crossing selection box but with one key difference. Instead of selecting objects that intersect or fall within the boundary, it selects only those objects that are entirely enclosed by the boundary. This type of selection is useful when you want to select specific objects without accidentally including nearby elements.
The Fence Selection Box
The fence selection box allows you to select objects using a freehand line or polyline shape instead of a rectangular boundary. To use this tool, simply click and drag around the desired objects in any shape you prefer.
Any object that intersects or touches this line will be selected. This type of selection is particularly useful when dealing with complex drawings where precise boundaries are not feasible.
The Polygonal Selection Box
The polygonal selection box enables you to select objects using a polygon shape instead of a rectangular or freehand boundary. To use this tool, click on each vertex point around the desired area until you close the shape by clicking on the first vertex point again.
Any object that falls within this polygon will be selected. This type of selection is handy when you need to select irregularly shaped areas within a drawing.
The Object Selection Box
The object selection box is slightly different from the other types mentioned above. Instead of creating a boundary, this tool allows you to select objects directly by clicking on them.
To use this tool, simply click on the object(s) you wish to select. If multiple objects overlap in the clicked area, a context menu will appear, allowing you to choose which object you want to select.
In Conclusion
Understanding the different types of selection boxes in AutoCAD is crucial for efficient and accurate drawing manipulation. Whether you need to select objects that are partially enclosed or entirely enclosed, AutoCAD provides various selection tools to suit your needs. By mastering these tools and incorporating them into your workflow, you can enhance your productivity and create drawings with precision.