Selecting 2D Objects

While working with 2D objects, you almost always need to select other objects. In a typical function, you must select one or multiple objects, finish the selection, and then the function processes the selected set. For example, selection is used when deleting objects, translating objects, changing object color, etc. Temporary toolbars provide selection options.


Methods of Selecting

The most direct way to include objects in the selection set is to left-click on them. Objects are selected if they are within the cursor aperture, and selected objects are highlighted in a different color.


A temporary toolbar appears during object selection, which provides additional selection options. All options are also available on the Select menu. You can select single objects, or groups of objects that share attributes such as a particular color. You can select groups of objects from the entire drawing, or you can use selection windows. You can also access selection options by entering the relevant command keys (which are not case-sensitive). When using commands, the desired object must already lie within the cursor aperture.

Selecting Types of Objects

These options enable you to select single objects of a certain type, that are found within the cursor aperture. When using these selection options, automatic detection is irrelevant.


IconKeyUse
LSelects a line
PSelects a point
ASelects an arc or circle
SSelects a symbol
Shift + 6 (^)Selects an arrow
CSelects a hatch
NSelects text
DSelects a dimension
1-8Selects objects in a work set

Selecting Groups of Objects

IconKeyUse
RSelects objects completely inside the selection window
ISelects objects completely or partially inside the selection window
ISelects objects completely or partially outside the selection window
OSelects objects completely outside the selection window
VSelects objects on a specified layer
BSelects objects of a specified color
YSelects objects of a specified line type
TSelects a group of objects of a specified type. You can select from the entire drawing, or use a selection window.

Using Selection Windows (Marquees)

Selection Windows - 2RG

Use this function to determine when and how selection windows will be used. If, during a selection, you click in the drawing and nothing is selected, you can set the system behavior to do one of the following:


Selecting Objects Related to 3D Solids

IconKeyUse
ESelects a profile to be used to create a solid. The profile is selected segment by segment.
FSelects a profile to be used to create a solid. The profile is identified automatically.
MSelects all objects linked to a single 3D solid. These objects are created by exporting a 3D view.
GSelects all objects belonging to a 3D view export.

Limited 2D Selections

Some functions, such as Fillet and Chamfer, require you to select a limited number of objects. In this case, there is no need to finish the selection group. If you need to select two segments that share a corner, you can select the segments individually or select the corner itself. To select by using the corner, click when the V symbol appears on the corner. See also Creating Corners, Chamfers and Fillets.


Automatic Object Detection

With Automatic Detection, the cursor detects objects within the aperture. Press “+” to activate Automatic Detection, and press “-“ to deactivate it.


Deselecting Objects

To delete objects from a selection set, active Deselect and use the normal methods to select objects - each selected object will return to its unselected state. Pressing X while selecting will also deselect objects.

Finishing the Selection

Press Enter or right-click to complete the selection set.


Selecting 2D Locations

Most 2D objects require geometric input in the form of X, Y coordinates. VariCAD makes it easy to select certain significant locations relative to existing objects. To select a point on an object, move the cursor over the object so that it is highlighted. Clicking on the object will select the point closest to the cursor. If cursor approaches a snap point, such as an endpoint or midpoint, a symbol appears next to the cursor. Clicking when you see this symbol selects the point. The following letters indicate snap points:

LetterSnap Point
LLine endpoint
MLine or arc midpoint
AArc endpoint
XIntersection
SConnection point of a symbol or block
@Center of circle or arc
10-deg point of a circle or arc
290-deg point of a circle or arc
3180-deg point of a circle or arc
4270-deg point of a circle or arc

You can also use icons, keys, and Snap menu items to specify snap points or other geometric locations. If you use the keyboard, the desired point must already be within the cursor aperture. The Snap menu also enables you to permanently use certain snaps.


Automatic detection of a snap point


2D Snap Points

IconKeyLocation
LNearest endpoint of a line segment
MMidpoint of a line or arc
ANearest endpoint of an arc
5Center of an arc or circle
XIntersection of two segments (intersection point must lie within cursor aperture)
FIntersection of two segments (select both segments, can also find intersection of segment extensions)
PPoint (must lie within cursor aperture)
ZInsertion point of a block or symbol
SConnection point or insertion point of a block or symbol
10-deg point of a circle or arc
290-deg point of a circle or arc
3180-deg point of a circle or arc
4270-deg point of a circle or arc
ONearest point on an arc or line
SpacebarNearest grid point
CNearest intersection of construction lines

Combination Location Points

IconKeyLocation
GDefined distance from the nearest line endpoint
BIntersection of a selected object and a line created from the last point at a specified angle
6Intersection of a selected object and a line created from the last point, perpendicular to this object
TTangent point on a selected object, directed from the last point
EHalfway between two defined points

Points Defined by Keyboard Input

IconKeyLocation
KEnter X, Y coordinates
DEnter dX and dY from the last point
REnter the distance and angle from the last point

Other Points and Functions

IconKeyFunction
WRedefine the user origin
N/AISnaps to the center of the cursor aperture
N/A+Turns on automatic detection of objects
N/A-Turns off automatic detection of objects

Defining Angles and Directions

Some functions, such as symbol insertion or mechanical part insertion, allow you to determine the rotation angle of inserted objects relative to line segments. Angles are measured counterclockwise from the +X direction (to the right of the origin). Temporary icons and keys are provided to specify the method of angle definition. The available angle directions are:

IconKeyAngle definition
LDirection is relative to the line proceeding to the left
RDirection is relative to the line proceeding to the right
DDirection is relative to the line proceeding up
UDirection is relative to the line proceeding down

In some cases, the angle can be defined perpendicular to a selected line segment.