What Is AutoCAD Pickbox?

What Is AutoCAD Pickbox?

AutoCAD is a widely used computer-aided design (CAD) software that allows users to create precise 2D and 3D designs. One of the essential features of AutoCAD is the pickbox, which plays a crucial role in selecting objects within the software.

The Pickbox

The pickbox is a small rectangle that appears around an object when you hover your cursor over it. It acts as a selection tool, helping you choose specific entities or elements in your drawing accurately.

How Does the Pickbox Work?

When you move your cursor close to an object, the pickbox dynamically adjusts its size to fit the entity. This adaptive behavior ensures that you can precisely select even small or complex objects without any difficulty.

Selecting Objects

  • To select an object using the pickbox, simply click inside it when the rectangle surrounds it.
  • If there are multiple objects within close proximity, you can cycle through them by pressing the Tab key on your keyboard.
  • To select objects inside a specific area, click and drag your cursor to create a lasso around them.

Customizing Pickbox Size

You have the option to modify the size of the pickbox according to your preferences. This customization can be useful if you find it challenging to select smaller objects due to their size or complexity.

To change the pickbox size:

  1. Open the AutoCAD application menu by clicking on the red “A” icon in the top left corner of the screen.
  2. Select “Options” from the menu.
  3. In the Options dialog box, click on the “Selection” tab.
  4. Adjust the value in the “Pickbox Size” field. The default is 3, which means the pickbox size is three pixels.
  5. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.

Conclusion

The pickbox is an essential tool in AutoCAD that facilitates accurate object selection. Its adaptive nature ensures that you can easily choose even intricate elements within your drawings. By customizing the pickbox size, you can further enhance your workflow and make selection tasks more efficient.

So next time you’re working with AutoCAD, remember to leverage the power of the pickbox to make precise selections and streamline your design process!