How to Select Similar in Vectorworks?

Understanding the Selection Process in Vectorworks

Selecting similar objects in Vectorworks is essential for efficient editing and design tasks. The following detailed steps outline how to select similar objects effectively within the software.

Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting Similar Objects in Vectorworks

1. Identify an Object for Selection
   Start by locating an object in your drawing that represents the category of items you want to select. This could be a shape, a line, a group of objects, or any specific element that shares attributes you wish to target.

2. Initiate the Selection Process
   Use the right mouse button to click on the identified object. This action will prompt a context menu to appear, providing various actions that you can perform related to the selected item.

3. Choose the ‘Select Similar’ Option
   From the context menu that appears after your right-click, look for the option labeled ‘Select Similar’. Clicking this option will automatically select all objects in the drawing that share properties similar to the object you initially selected.

Customizing Selection Properties

Vectorworks allows flexibility in terms of the properties used for selecting similar objects. To adjust these properties, follow these instructions:

1. Accessing the Command Line
   Type SELECTSIMILAR into the command line at the bottom of your Vectorworks window. This opens a prompt that lets you fine-tune your selection criteria.

2. Adjusting Settings
   In the prompt, you will see a ‘Settings’ option. Click on it, and a new dialog will appear. This dialog allows you to choose which specific attributes you would like the Select Similar command to evaluate – such as color, layer, line type, etc.

3. Confirming Your Selections
   After selecting the properties that matter to you, click ‘OK’ to finalize your choices. Now, when you use the Select Similar command, it will consider only the attributes you’ve designated, filtering the selection accordingly.

Selection Techniques in Vectorworks

To enhance your selection efficiency, here are a few additional techniques that can be utilized:

• Using Layers: If working on complex projects, ensure you are on the correct layer before making selections, as this can influence the objects that appear as potential selections.

• Keyboard Shortcuts: Rely on keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl+A (Windows) or Cmd+A (Mac) to quickly select all objects if you want to start fresh before using the Select Similar feature.

• Utilizing the Selection Tool: Ensure the Selection tool is activated from the Basic palette for initiating selections. This is crucial for any selection methods you intend to employ.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I modify my selection after using Select Similar?
Yes, you can adjust your selection by holding down the Shift key while clicking to add or remove items from your current selection.

2. What if I cannot find the Select Similar option?
Ensure you are in the correct mode and that the object you selected has properties that can be matched with other objects. If issues persist, check your software version and settings.

3. Is there a way to select similar objects based on more than one property?
Yes, when you access the settings through SELECTSIMILAR, you can check multiple properties, allowing you to refine your selection based on several criteria, such as color, type, and layer simultaneously.