What Is AutoCAD Selection Cycling?

What Is AutoCAD Selection Cycling?

AutoCAD is a powerful computer-aided design (CAD) software that allows users to create precise 2D and 3D drawings. One of the many features that make AutoCAD so versatile is selection cycling. Selection cycling allows you to easily select objects that are stacked on top of each other or located in close proximity.

How Does Selection Cycling Work?

By default, when you select objects in AutoCAD, only the topmost object is selected. However, there may be instances where multiple objects are overlapping or closely placed together, making it difficult to select the desired object. This is where selection cycling comes into play.

Selection cycling activates a highlighting effect that cycles through the available objects as you hover over them with your cursor. This enables you to easily select the specific object you want, even if it’s hidden beneath other objects.

Enabling and Adjusting Selection Cycling

To enable selection cycling in AutoCAD, you can either use the CYCLE command or access it through the user interface:

  • Select the Cycle Selection button on the status bar at the bottom of the AutoCAD window.
  • You can also right-click on the status bar and choose Cycle Selection from the context menu.

Once selection cycling is enabled, you can adjust its settings by:

  1. Navigating to the CUI (Customize User Interface) dialog box by right-clicking anywhere on a toolbar and selecting Customize.
  2. In the Customize tab, click on Tool Palettes and expand it.
  3. Next, expand Properties and select Cycle Selection.
  4. In the properties window, you can modify the settings to suit your preferences, such as changing the highlighting color or adjusting the cycling order.

Benefits of Selection Cycling

The use of selection cycling offers several benefits:

  • Improved Efficiency: With selection cycling, you can select objects faster and more accurately, thereby enhancing your overall workflow efficiency.
  • Better Visualization: By being able to select hidden or obscured objects easily, you can have a clearer understanding of your drawing’s structure.
  • Precise Editing: Selection cycling allows for precise object selection, making it easier to edit specific elements within a complex drawing.

Tips for Using Selection Cycling Effectively

To make the most out of selection cycling in AutoCAD, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Familiarize Yourself with Cycling Order: Understanding how AutoCAD cycles through objects is important. By default, it follows an order based on object creation or layer order.

    You can customize this order if needed.

  • Cycle Through Overlapping Objects: When multiple objects are overlapping or closely placed together, use the mouse wheel to cycle through them quickly. This allows for efficient selection without the need for additional clicks.
  • Combine with Other Selection Methods: Selection cycling complements other selection methods in AutoCAD. Experiment with combining it with window selection or crossing selection to optimize your workflow.

In conclusion, selection cycling is a valuable feature in AutoCAD that allows for efficient and precise object selection. By enabling and adjusting its settings, you can greatly enhance your productivity and accuracy when working with complex drawings.