Selection Options

Before editing objects, the corresponding model, load, or guide objects must be definied, that is "selected". There are various options that you can use depending on the object type and purpose.

The selected objects are highlighted in a different color. You can adjust the colors of the selection and those of the preselection ("touching" an object without clicking it) in the 'Display Properties' dialog box.

You can edit the properties of selected objects by double-clicking one of these objects. Alternatively, click Edit Selection on the Edit menu.

Selecting objects graphically

Selection with mouse

To select an object in the work window, click it with the left mouse button. The object remains selected until you click on another object or in an empty area of the work window. If you want to add more objects to the selection, you have two options:

• Hold down the Ctrl key while clicking.
• Activate the 'Add to Selection' setting by clicking the button.

Selection with graphic area

To select several objects in the work window at the same time, draw a window over the objects while holding down the left mouse button. The following applies: If you draw the window from left to right, all objects that are completely within the window are selected. However, if you draw the window from right to left, the selection also includes all objects that are only partially in this area. The assigned colors are managed in the Display Properties dialog box.

If the selection via window is unfavorable, you can use alternatives provided by the selection buttons in the toolbar. They are located to the left of the button used for controlling the selection (see image Button for Selection Settings). They have the following meaning:

The selection by a lasso, for example, makes it easier to select objects in an isometric view. Encircle the objects while holding down the left mouse button. When you release the button, the objects within the marked area are selected. Again, the rule for directions described above for the window selection applies.

Selection in plane

The 'In Plane' function is available on the Edit → Select menu. It allows you to select, for example, objects lying in an inclined plane. Select the relevant objects in the 'Select in Plane' dialog box. After clicking OK, you can define the plane graphically by '3 Points' or a 'Polygonal boundary'.

Selecting free nodes

With the 'Free Nodes' function on the Edit → Select menu, you can select all nodes that have no function for other objects (e.g. for defining lines, surfaces, or loads). To delete these nodes, press the Del key.

Selecting related objects

When you have selected a surface, the corresponding lines and nodes are not included in the selection. With the 'Related Objects' function on the Edit → Select menu, you can integrate the components of selected objects into the selection.

Finding Object with Number

For larger models, it is often difficult to find a certain object in the work window. With the Find via Number function on the Edit menu, you can initiate a search based on the object number.

In the list, define the 'Object' that you want to find. Then, enter the 'No.' of the object, or select the number from the list.

After clicking OK, the found object is selected in the work window and indicated by an arrow. The arrow remains displayed even if you adjust the area around the object by zooming or rotating. The arrow disappears with a click into the workspace.

Selecting objects via navigator

You can select an object by clicking the corresponding entry in Navigator - Data. This function also extends to the object properties: For example, if you select a cross-section or a surface thickness in the navigator, all objects to which the cross-section or the thickness is assigned are selected in the work window. In this way, you can quickly select objects for editing without activating the Visibilities in the 'Navigator - Views'.

Selecting objects via table

You can select a model or load object by clicking the corresponding table row in the Structure or Loads table.

In the tables, you can select objects by means of certain properties: For example, if you select the row of a cross-section or a surface thickness, all objects to which the cross-section or the thickness is assigned are selected in the work window.

Selecting objects in object selection

The Object Selections provide a variety of possibilities for selecting objects according to certain criteria. You can change the selection criteria in the New Object Selection dialog box and save each object selection as an auxiliary object. The functions are described in the Object Selections chapter.