AutoCAD

How to Remove the Selection Box in AutoCAD?

Understanding the Selection Box in AutoCAD

The selection box in AutoCAD is a visual aid that helps users select multiple objects effectively. However, there are instances when you may want to remove or deactivate this feature temporarily. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve that.

Steps to Remove the Selection Box in AutoCAD

  1. Open the Options Menu:

    • Right-click anywhere in the drawing area where no objects are selected.
    • From the context menu that appears, select Options. This action will bring up the Options dialog box, which contains various settings for your AutoCAD environment.
  2. Navigate to the Selection Tab:

    • In the Options dialog, locate the Selection tab at the top. This tab is specifically dedicated to settings related to object selection behaviors.
  3. Adjust Selection Cycling Setting:

    • Look for the option related to selection cycling. If you want to disable the selection box entirely, you might want to turn off the display settings for selection cycling.
    • Enter SELECTIONCYCLING in the command line and press <Enter>.
    • If the selection cycling is enabled, enter 0 to turn it off. This action effectively removes the cycling feature, which reduces the number of selection boxes displayed during selection.
  4. Confirm Your Changes:

    • After adjusting the settings, ensure to click OK on the Options dialog to save your changes.
  5. Testing Your Settings:
    • Try selecting objects in your drawing area to verify that the selection box no longer appears as it did before.

Alternative Methods to Deselect Objects

If you merely want to remove an existing selection without adjusting the settings permanently, you can use these methods:

  • Using the Command Prompt:

    • At the command line, you can simply type Deselect and hit <Enter> to clear the current selections in the drawing space.
  • Mouse Interaction:
    • Click in an empty space of your drawing area. This action will immediately deselect any currently selected objects.

FAQs

1. Why would I want to remove the selection box in AutoCAD?

  • You might find the selection box intrusive or distracting when working on specific tasks. Removing it can provide a clearer view of your drawing.

2. Can I set AutoCAD to remember my selection preferences?

  • Yes, once you configure your preferences in the Options dialog, AutoCAD will remember these settings for future sessions.

3. What should I do if the selection box continues to appear after following these steps?

  • If the selection box persists, double-check the settings in the Options dialog, particularly the selection cycling feature. Ensure no other conflicting settings are enabled.

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.