How to Select Vertex Points in AutoCAD?

Understanding Vertex Selection in AutoCAD

Selecting vertex points in AutoCAD can be vital for precise modifications and inspections of your drawings. This guide outlines the steps and techniques for selecting vertex points effectively, catering to users of AutoCAD 2025.

Selecting Individual Vertices

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Open your AutoCAD drawing and ensure that you are in a 2D or 3D workspace where the vertices are visible.

2. Activate Object Selection: Click on the object (such as a polygon or 3D object) containing the vertex you wish to select. Ensure that grips (small squares or dots) are visible on the object.

3. Use the Ctrl + Shift Combination:

   • Press and hold the Ctrl and Shift keys simultaneously.
   • Click directly on the desired vertex.
   • You should notice that the grip color changes from red to blue, indicating that the vertex is now selected.
4. Check Selection Filter: If a subobject selection filter is applied, you can select vertices without holding the Ctrl key.

Selecting Multiple Vertices

1. Initial Object Selection: Click on the object that contains the vertices you want to select.

2. Engage the Shift Key: Press and hold the Shift key while moving the cursor near the blue grips of the object.

3. Selecting the Grips:

   • Move the cursor quickly towards a grip to select it.
   • Clicking on it will select that vertex without delay.
4. Confirm Selection: Check that the grips of selected vertices are colored blue.

Utilizing Crossing and Window Selections

1. Rectangular Selection: Click on a blank area of the screen. Hold and drag the mouse to form a rectangle around the vertices you want to select. Release the mouse button to select all objects within the rectangle.

2. Crossing Selection:
   • Click to start a selection and drag the cursor across the desired area.
   • Objects that are fully enclosed or intersected by your selection will be highlighted.

Lasso Selection Method

1. Activate the Lasso Tool: Click on a blank space and drag your cursor around the vertices you want to select in a freeform shape.

2. Complete the Selection: Release the mouse button when you have encircled the desired vertices. All vertices within the lasso will be selected.

Adjusting Selection Settings

1. Access Options: Go to the Options menu by clicking on the application button.

2. Configure Selection Preferences: In the Selection tab, check the settings related to adding to your selection using the Shift key. Disabling or enabling this option may enhance your selection efficiency based on your preferences.

Quick Select Tool

1. Open Properties Palette: Access the properties palette from your AutoCAD interface.

2. Launch Quick Select: Click the ‘Quick Select’ button.

3. Set Your Parameters:

   • Choose the object type as ‘Vertex’.
   • Specify any additional criteria based on your selection needs.
4. Execute the Selection: Confirm your selections and observe the highlighted vertices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I select multiple grips without affecting the others?
Yes, holding the Shift key while clicking multiple grips allows you to select more than one without modifying the rest of the object’s shape.

What should I do if I cannot select any vertices?
Ensure that you are not in a locked layer. Check for active viewport restrictions as well, as this can prevent object selection.

How can I deselect vertices once selected?
To deselect a vertex, hold down the Ctrl key and click on the selected vertex again. This will revert its state from selected to unselected.