How To Turn Off Selection Window In AutoCAD?

Understanding Selection Modes in AutoCAD

When working in AutoCAD, selecting various elements is essential for efficient design and drafting. However, there might be situations where the selection window can be a hindrance instead of a help. If you find yourself needing to disable this feature, follow the detailed steps below to effectively turn off the selection window.

Turning Off the Selection Window in AutoCAD

1. Access the Options Menu
   Begin by navigating to the application menu in AutoCAD. This is typically indicated by a large ‘A’ located in the upper-left corner of the interface.

2. Select ‘Options’
   From the dropdown that appears, locate and click on the ‘Options’ button. This will open a new dialog window named ‘Options’.

3. Go to the Selection Tab
   Within the ‘Options’ dialog, you will find several tabs at the top. Click on the tab labeled ‘Selection’, which will provide you with various options related to how selections are managed.

4. Disable Selection Features
   Within the Selection tab, look for options regarding selection modes. Depending on your specific needs, look for the checkbox labeled ‘Use Shift to add to selection’. Unchecking this option will eliminate the ability to use Shift for adding to selections, effectively altering how selections are handled in your active workspace.

5. Save Your Preferences
   After making your desired changes, be sure to click ‘OK’ to save your modifications and close the Options window. This action will apply your new settings and stop using the selection window as per your preference.

Alternative Method: Adjusting Selection Behavior

If you prefer a more direct approach to manage selection without navigating menus:

1. Keyboard Shortcuts
   Utilize keyboard shortcuts to toggle selection modes quickly. For instance, pressing ‘Shift + F8’ can switch between Extend Selection mode and Add to Selection mode, giving you finer control over your selection process.

2. Use Command Line
   Type ‘SELECTIONMODE’ directly into the command line and set it to 0 (zero) to turn off the selection window features instantaneously.

FAQ

Q1: Can I customize how selection works in AutoCAD?
Yes, AutoCAD allows customization of selection tools. Access the ‘Options’ menu, navigate to the ‘Selection’ tab, and you can modify various settings, including which keys enhance selection behavior.

Q2: What if I still have issues with selection after turning it off?
If problems persist, check if any layers are locked or if the objects are within a viewport that isn’t activated. These conditions can prevent proper selection even when settings are configured correctly.

Q3: How do I restore the selection window if I need it again?
To restore the selection window feature, simply revisit the ‘Options’ menu, go to the ‘Selection’ tab, and recheck the ‘Use Shift to add to selection’ option. This will reinstate the previous selection capabilities.