How to Disable Lasso in AutoCAD?

Disabling the Lasso Feature in AutoCAD

When working in AutoCAD, the Lasso selection method can sometimes be more of a hindrance than a help. If you find yourself needing to disable the Lasso feature, follow these detailed steps to ensure a smooth workflow without the distraction of this tool.

Steps to Disable the Lasso Tool in AutoCAD

1. Access the Options Menu:

   • Begin by right-clicking in an empty area of the drawing interface.
   • From the context menu that appears, select Options to open the Options dialog box.

2. Navigate to the Selection Tab:

   • Once the Options dialog is open, locate the Selection tab. This tab contains all relevant settings associated with how you select objects within your drawing.

3. Adjust Lasso Settings:

   • Look for the checkbox labeled Allow press and drag for Lasso. Uncheck this box to disable the Lasso selection feature.
   • Alternatively, you can adjust a system variable directly by entering the command line.

4. Use the Command Line:

   • Open the command line at the bottom of the AutoCAD window.
   • Type the command PICKAUTO and press Enter.
   • Change the value to 3 to disable the Lasso functionality. You can confirm the change by typing PICKAUTO again to verify it is set correctly.
5. Confirm the Changes:
   • Click OK or Apply in the Options dialog to save your adjustments and close the menu.

Disabling Auto Selection

If the Lasso feature continues to interfere with your workflow, you may also want to consider disabling Auto Selection. This feature automatically highlights objects, which can be distracting.

1. Enter the Command for Selection Preview:

   • In the command line, type SELECTIONPREVIEW and press Enter.

2. Change the Setting:

   • Enter 0 in response to the prompt to disable auto highlighting.
3. Check Your Adjustments:
   • Try selecting objects in your drawing to confirm that the changes have taken effect.

Using Rectangular Selections Instead of Lasso

If you still need to select objects but prefer a more traditional method, consider utilizing rectangular selections.

1. Create a Rectangular Selection:
   • Click to place the cursor where you want to start the selection box.
   • Hold down the mouse button and drag to create a rectangular selection area.
   • Release the mouse button to complete the selection.

FAQs

1. How can I revert the Lasso tool back if I change my mind?

• To re-enable the Lasso tool, repeat the steps above and check the Allow press and drag for Lasso option, or set the PICKAUTO value back to 1 or 0.

2. What impact does disabling the Lasso tool have on selection efficiency?

• Disabling the Lasso may improve your selection accuracy, especially if you find the intuitive nature of the tool leads to unwanted selections.

3. Are there alternative selection methods in AutoCAD if I disable the Lasso tool?

• Yes, you can use rectangular and polygonal selection methods, as well as standard selection with click and shift modifiers to fine-tune your selections without relying on the Lasso feature.