The Lasso Selection in AutoCAD

The Lasso selection in AutoCAD allows you to create an irregularly shaped window or crossing selection set. Instead of picking two points for a rectangular window (from left to right) or a crossing selection (from right to left), you just press and drag to use the Lasso. The Lasso going from left to right is still a window selection and right to left is still a crossing.

Some users really like this technique, but it may take a little getting used to depending on how heavy handed you are with the mouse. If your click is too long you might start the Lasso without intending to. This is why one common question is “How do I turn the Lasso off?” So if you have tried it, don’t like it, and would prefer to never see the Lasso again; just go to the AutoCAD Options dialog box. On the Selection tab disable the option to “Allow press and drag for Lasso”. That will disable the Lasso and leave you with the standard window and crossing rectangles you are familiar with using.

Author

Rick Ellis, president of CADapult Software Solutions, Inc, has worked with and taught Autodesk Civil 3D, along with Map 3D and other Autodesk products since the mid-90s. He is the Author of several critically acclaimed books on Autodesk Civil 3D, AutoCAD Map 3D, Land Desktop and Carlson Software; including the Practical Guide series.

Rick continues to use Autodesk Civil 3D on projects in a production environment, in addition to teaching classes to organizations both large and small around the country, helping them get the most out of their design software investment.

This practical background and approach has made him an award winning speaker at Autodesk University and a sought after instructor by organizations around the world.