How To Select Similar Text In AutoCAD?

Understanding the Select Similar Feature in AutoCAD

To efficiently manage and edit your drawings in AutoCAD, the Select Similar tool is invaluable. This command allows users to quickly select multiple objects that share similar properties, streamlining the design process.

Steps to Select Similar Objects

1. Choose a Reference Object: Begin by selecting an object in your drawing that embodies the characteristics of the other objects you want to select. This could be a line, a block, or any other entity.

2. Access the Context Menu: After selecting the reference object, right-click to bring up the context menu.

3. Activate Select Similar: From this menu, choose the Select Similar option. AutoCAD will automatically highlight all objects that share the same properties as your reference object.

Customizing the Selection Criteria

If you need to refine which properties are considered for the selection, follow these additional steps:

1. Enter Command Line: Type SELECTSIMILAR into the command line and press Enter.

2. Adjust Settings: At the prompt, select Settings. This allows you to customize which properties will determine similarity, such as layer, color, or linetype.

3. Save Your Preferences: After selecting the properties important for your task, confirm your settings by clicking OK. Now, any future use of Select Similar will take these criteria into account.

Selecting Items of a Specific Color

To select all objects of a specific color, use the Quick Select feature:

1. Navigate to Quick Select: Go to the Home tab, locate the Utilities panel, and click on Quick Select.

2. Set Your Criteria: In the Quick Select dialog, choose the type of object (e.g., Lines, Circles) and specify the desired color.

3. Apply the Selection: Confirm your selections and click OK. All objects matching your criteria will be highlighted.

Counting Similar Objects in AutoCAD

Counting duplicates or similar items can be essential for various drafting needs. Here’s how to do it:

1. Select a Block: Click on a block or element in your drawing that you would like to count.

2. Use the Select Similar Command: Right-click and select Select Similar to highlight all identical blocks.

3. Check Properties Palette: With the similar items selected, open the Properties palette, where you can see the total count of selected items.

Removing Items from Your Selection

If you want to modify your selection set:

1. Hold the Shift Key: While the current selection is active, hold down the Shift key.

2. Select the Object to Remove: Click on any object you wish to exclude from your selection set. This is useful for making adjustments without starting the selection process over again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of properties can be used for selecting similar objects?
You can choose properties like layer, color, linetype, and more when configuring the Select Similar settings.

2. Can I use Select Similar for more than just lines?
Yes, the Select Similar command can be applied to various object types, including blocks, polylines, and other entities.

3. How do I quickly deselect all objects?
To clear your selection, simply click in an empty area of the drawing or press the Esc key.