AutoCAD

How to Count Select Similar in AutoCAD?

Understanding the Selection of Similar Objects in AutoCAD

When working with AutoCAD, especially in complex drawings, selecting similar objects can streamline your workflow significantly. This guide will walk you through the steps to effectively count and select similar items in AutoCAD.

Step-by-Step Guide to Count Similar Blocks in AutoCAD

To count similar blocks in your drawing, follow these detailed steps:

  1. Open the Command Line: Start by locating the command line interface within AutoCAD’s workspace.

  2. Enter the Command: Type BCOUNT into the command line and hit the Enter key.

  3. Select an Area: You will be prompted to select an area on your drawing that contains the blocks you wish to count. Click and drag to specify this area. If you want to count blocks throughout the entire drawing without selecting a specific area, simply press Enter again without making a selection.

  4. View the Count: The command will display the number of similar blocks found within the selected area or across the whole drawing.

Counting Selected Objects in AutoCAD

If you want to count specific selected objects, here’s how to do it:

  1. Access Quick Select: Right-click anywhere in the drawing area to bring up a contextual menu. Choose the Quick Select option.

  2. Choose Object Type: In the Quick Select dialog box, you’ll see an option labeled Object Type. From the dropdown menu, select the particular object type you wish to count, such as lines, circles, or hatches.

  3. Apply Filters (Optional): If you need to narrow down your selection further, you can add filters. Specify the property, operator, and value related to the objects you want to count.

  4. Execute the Command: Click OK to see the results, which will provide a count of the selected objects matching your criteria.

Selecting Similar Text in AutoCAD

To streamline the selection process for text objects that share similar properties, follow these steps:

  1. Select an Existing Text Object: Choose a text object in your drawing that possesses the attributes of the text you want to select.

  2. Initiate the Select Similar Command: Right-click on the selected text and from the menu, choose the Select Similar option.

  3. Review Selected Objects: AutoCAD will automatically select all text objects that match the properties of the initially selected text, making it easier for you to manage them as a group.

Utilizing Filters for Advanced Selections

For more complex selections, consider using the filtering feature in AutoCAD:

  1. Start the Filter Command: Enter FILTER into the command line to open the filtering dialog.

  2. Create a New Filter: In the Object Selection Filters window, select a desired filter option and press Add to List.

  3. Save Your Filter: If you plan to reuse this filter, name it in the Save As field and click on Save As.

  4. Apply the Filter: Click on Apply to execute the filter on your drawing.

FAQ

1. Can I count objects other than blocks in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can count various object types such as lines, polylines, text, and hatches using both the BCOUNT command and Quick Select methods.

2. Is there a shortcut for the Quick Select command in AutoCAD?
While there isn’t a direct keyboard shortcut for Quick Select, you can access it quickly by right-clicking in the drawing area and choosing it from the menu.

3. How can I select multiple types of objects at once in AutoCAD?
To select multiple object types simultaneously, utilize the FILTER command. This allows the inclusion of various object types based on specific properties set in the filtering options.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.