Where Is Selection Cycling in AutoCAD?

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AutoCAD is a powerful software tool used by architects, engineers, and designers to create precise and detailed drawings. One of the features that users often find useful is selection cycling.

But where is selection cycling in AutoCAD? In this article, we will explore how to locate and use this feature effectively.

What is Selection Cycling?

Selection cycling is a feature in AutoCAD that allows users to cycle through overlapping objects when selecting entities. It enables you to select multiple objects that are stacked on top of each other without having to manually isolate or separate them.

Locating Selection Cycling

By default, selection cycling is not enabled in AutoCAD. To activate it, follow these steps:

  1. Accessing the Options Menu:
    • Click on the “Tools” tab in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
    • Select “Options” from the drop-down menu.
  2. Finding the Selection Tab:
    • In the Options dialog box, click on the “Selection” tab located on the left-hand side.
  3. Enabling Selection Cycling:
    • In the Selection tab, check the box next to “Cycle Selection“.
  4. Saving Changes:
    • To save your changes and exit the Options dialog box, click on “OK“.

    Using Selection Cycling

    Now that you have enabled selection cycling, let’s explore how to use it:

    1. Selecting Objects:
      • When you have multiple objects overlapping or stacked on top of each other, hover your cursor over the area and click.
    2. Cycling Through Selections:
      • After clicking, AutoCAD will display a list of the objects that are overlapping in a small pop-up menu.
      • To cycle through the selections, press the “Ctrl” key and right-click.
    3. Selecting the Desired Object:
      • Continue pressing the “Ctrl” key and right-clicking until you have selected the desired object from the list.

      Tips for Efficient Selection Cycling

      To make the most out of selection cycling, consider these tips:

      • Adjusting Cycling Settings:
        • You can adjust the cycling settings by accessing the Options dialog box and navigating to the Selection tab. Here, you can modify parameters such as cycling order and display options.
      • Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
        • To speed up your workflow, learn keyboard shortcuts for commands like selection cycling (e.g., “CYC“). This can significantly enhance your productivity when working with complex drawings.

          In Conclusion

          In summary, selection cycling is a valuable feature in AutoCAD that allows you to easily select overlapping objects. By enabling selection cycling in the Options menu and using the appropriate keyboard shortcuts, you can streamline your workflow and improve productivity. So remember, when working with stacked entities in AutoCAD, don’t forget to activate selection cycling!