Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Selecting Objects
In AutoCAD, you can select objects in many ways. There are two categories of selection meth-
ods: The first includes object-selection methods unique to AutoCAD, and the second includes
the more common selection method used in most popular graphics programs, the Noun/Verb
method. Because these two kinds of methods play a major role in working with AutoCAD, it's a
good idea to familiarize yourself with them early on.
Using a A -Click and Selection Windows
With many AutoCAD commands, you'll see the Select objects: prompt. Along with this
prompt, the cursor changes from crosshairs to a small square (look back at Figure 2.11).
Whenever you see the Select objects: prompt and the square Object Selection cursor, you
have several options while making your selection. Often, as you select objects on the screen,
you'll change your mind about a selection or accidentally select an object you don't want. Let's
look at most of the selection options available in AutoCAD and learn what to do when you make
the wrong selection.
Before you continue, you'll turn off two features that, although extremely useful, can be con-
fusing to new users. These features are called Object Snap and Object Snap Tracking. You'll get
a chance to explore these features in depth later in this topic, but for now follow these steps to
turn them off:
1. Check to see if either Object Snap or Object Snap Tracking is turned on in the status bar.
If they're turned on, they will be a light blue (Figure 2.16).
FIGURE 2.16
The Object Snap
and Object Snap
Tracking tools
Object Snap
Object Snap Tracking
2. To turn off Object Snap or Object Snap Tracking, click the tool in the status bar. When
turned off, they turn gray.
Now, let's see how to select an object in AutoCAD:
1. Click the Move tool in the Tool Sets palette. You can also choose Modify Move or
type M ↵.
2. At the Select objects: prompt, click each of the two horizontal lines that constitute
the door (trackpad users can tap on the lines). As you know, whenever AutoCAD wants
you to select objects, the cursor turns into the small Object Selection cursor. This tells you
that you're in Object Selection mode. As you click an object, it's highlighted, as shown in
Figure 2.17.
If objects don't become “thicker” as you roll over them with your selection cursor, the
Selection preview system variable may be turned off. You can turn it back on by entering
selectionpreview 3 ↵.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search