How to Turn Off Selection Highlight in AutoCAD?

Understanding Selection Highlight in AutoCAD

When working in AutoCAD, the default behavior often includes highlighting selected objects, which can sometimes disrupt workflow. Disabling the selection highlight can streamline your experience. Follow the steps below to turn off this feature effectively.

Turning Off Selection Highlight in AutoCAD 2025

1. Access the Options Menu:

   • Locate the application menu in the top-left corner of the AutoCAD window. Click on it to reveal a drop-down menu.
   • Select the "Options" choice from this menu. This opens the Options dialog window.

2. Navigate to the Selection Tab:

   • Within the Options dialog, find and click on the "Selection" tab. This section allows you to modify settings related to how selections behave in AutoCAD.

3. Disable Highlighting:

   • In the Selection tab, look for the option titled "Highlight Selected Objects" or something similar. Uncheck this option to turn off the highlighting of selected objects.
   • Additionally, if you want to further customize how selections appear or are previewed, explore other settings in this tab.
4. Save Your Changes:
   • After making your selections, click "OK" to apply the changes and close the Options dialog. This will ensure that the selection highlight is turned off during your future sessions in AutoCAD.

Alternative Ways to Modify Selection Behavior

• Using Command Line:
  You can also disable selection cycling by entering SELECTIONCYCLING into the command line and setting the value to 0. This eliminates the visual cycling display of objects when selected.

• Quick Selection Options:
  If you find that you frequently adjust selection settings, consider creating a custom toolbar that includes selection options for easier access.

Addressing Specific Selection Issues

If you encounter issues with selections not functioning as expected:

1. Check Layer States:

   • Ensure that the layers of the objects you want to select are not locked, as this can prevent selection.
2. Viewport Considerations:
   • If objects are within a viewport, make sure that the viewport is active before attempting to select.

FAQs

1. What should I do if I can’t select any objects in AutoCAD?
Ensure there are no restrictions such as locked layers or inactive viewports. Additionally, confirm if you are in the correct edit mode for the objects you intend to manipulate.

2. How can I turn off multiple selections in AutoCAD?
To disable the ability to add to selections using the Shift key, access the Options menu, select the Selection tab, and uncheck the option labeled "Use Shift to add to selection."

3. Is it possible to change the appearance of selections without entirely disabling them?
Yes, in the Options dialog under the Selection tab, you can modify settings that govern how selected objects are previewed, allowing you to fine-tune the visual feedback without fully disabling highlights.