AutoCAD

How to Turn Off Selection Preview in AutoCAD?

Understanding Selection Preview in AutoCAD

AutoCAD allows users to interact with their designs in various ways, one of which is the selection preview feature. This includes a highlighting effect that indicates possible selections as the cursor hovers over objects. Disabling this feature can help streamline your workflow, especially in crowded drawings.

Steps to Disable Selection Preview

  1. Access the Options Menu
    Right-click anywhere in the drawing space. From the context menu that appears, select the "Options" command. This will open the Options dialog box.

  2. Navigate to the Selection Tab
    Once the Options dialog is open, locate and click on the "Selection" tab. This section contains all settings related to how objects are selected within AutoCAD.

  3. Adjust the Selection Preview Setting
    In this tab, look for the setting that pertains to selection previews. You will typically find an option labeled “Enable selection preview” or a similar term. Uncheck this box to turn off the visual feedback associated with object selection.

  4. Save Changes
    After unchecking the selection preview option, click "OK" or "Apply" to save your changes and close the Options dialog. Your AutoCAD workspace will now reflect this adjustment.

Additional Selection Settings

AutoCAD offers several other selection-related settings. If you are looking to customize your selection process further, consider these options:

  • Highlight Selection: You can also adjust whether selected objects are highlighted during your selections.
  • Multiple Selections: Manage how multiple selections are handled — for example, you can choose to enable or disable the use of the Shift key to add to your selections.

FAQs

Q1: What is the purpose of selection preview in AutoCAD?
Selection preview helps users identify which objects can be selected by highlighting them when the cursor passes over. This feature enhances the user experience by reducing selection errors.

Q2: How do I revert the changes made to the selection settings?
If you decide to enable selection preview again, follow the same steps as above and check the option for selection preview in the Selection tab.

Q3: What should I do if I still cannot select objects after turning off selection preview?
If turning off selection preview does not resolve your selection issues, check if the layer containing the objects is locked or if the objects are located within non-active viewports.

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.