How to Use Quick Select Command in AutoCAD?

Understanding the Quick Select Command in AutoCAD

The Quick Select command in AutoCAD is an essential tool that streamlines the selection process of objects within your drawings. This feature allows for precise filtration and selection based on various object properties, enhancing efficiency and user control. This guide will walk you through using the Quick Select command effectively.

Locating the Quick Select Tool

To access the Quick Select feature:

1. Navigate to the Home tab on the AutoCAD ribbon.
2. Look for the Utilities panel where the Quick Select button is located.
3. Alternatively, you can open the command prompt and type QSELECT, which will bring up the Quick Select dialog box.

Step-by-Step Process to Use Quick Select

Step 1: Open Quick Select

• You can quickly initiate this command by either clicking the Quick Select icon in the ribbon or typing QSELECT in the command line and hitting Enter.

Step 2: Select the Object Type

• In the Quick Select dialog box, pick the type of object you want to select from the dropdown menu under Object Type. This could include lines, circles, polylines, blocks, etc.

Step 3: Define Selection Criteria

1. Choose the property you want to filter by under the Property section. For instance, you could filter by layer, color, or linetype.
2. Select the appropriate operator to refine your selection:
   • = Equals: To select objects with a specific property value.
   • <> Not Equal: To exclude certain values.
   • > Greater Than / < Less Than: For numerical properties.

Step 4: Specify the Value

• Input the specific value related to the property you selected. For example, if your property is "Color," and you want to choose all objects that are red, the value should be set to "Red."

Step 5: Execute the Selection

• After defining the criteria, click OK. AutoCAD will now highlight all the objects that meet your specified conditions.

Selecting Multiple Items at Once

Follow these steps to select multiple similar objects efficiently:

1. Open the Properties palette by typing PROPERTIES in the command line.
2. With one of the objects selected, right-click and choose Select Similar from the context menu. This feature automatically highlights all instances of the selected object type.

Additional Selection Techniques

• Window Selection: Click and drag from left to right to select objects completely enclosed within the selection box.
• Crossing Selection: Drag from right to left to select objects that are crossed by the selection rectangle.
• Layer Selection: Ensure all objects on a specific layer are selected by filtering based on layer properties through Quick Select.

FAQ

1. What to do if Quick Select is not working?
If Quick Select isn’t functioning as expected, check if you have selected the right object type and property. Ensure that your drawing does not have locked layers or active viewports, which might restrict selections.

2. Can I save my Quick Select settings for future use?
AutoCAD does not directly allow you to save Quick Select configurations. However, you can remember your favorite settings or jot them down to reuse.

3. Is Quick Select available in all versions of AutoCAD?
Yes, Quick Select is a standard feature in AutoCAD 2025 and previous versions. If you do not see it, ensure you are in the correct workspace or check your software installation.