Selecting geometry

You can use a pen, mouse, or trackpad to select any geometry. There are various methods available for selecting geometry based on your input device and what you need to select.

Menus are customized based on your selection in the modeling space. For example, when you select a body, tools appropriate for working with bodies become available in the menu. When you select a sketch element, the sketch tools are automatically made available. For more information, visit Accessing tools.

Basic selection

Basic selection can be performed using simple keyboard or touch and pen actions. For detailed information on specific input methods, refer to our Keyboard shortcuts, gestures, and hotkeys article.

Selecting sketch elements and constraints

Selecting a sketch element highlights its connected constraints and dimensions. Constraints highlight all affected elements, making it easier to visualize relationships between sketch elements.

If a sketch is fully defined, all elements remain constrained and will not move unless a constraint or dimension is removed. If the sketch is underdefined, moving an element will adjust its position relative to the constraints applied.

Area Selection

The Area Selection tool is triggered by drawing a selection box in the modeling space. The Area Selection tool functions differently based on the direction that the selection box is created. There are also filters that can be used to specify what elements you want to include in the selection. For more information, explore the sections below:

• Selection box direction
• Using filters

Selection box direction

You can control what is included in the area selection by modifying the direction you draw a selection box:

• Left to right
  Creating a selection box from left to right will only select elements that are completely within the selection box.
  
  
  
  
• Right to left
  Creating a selection box from right to left will select all elements that the selection box touches.
  
  
  
  

Using filters

While making your selection, you have the option to filter the selection based on item type. Options include:

• All Items
• Bodies Only
• Faces Only
• Edges Only

Advanced selection

Use advanced selection options to work more precisely in complex models. These tools help you isolate geometry, access hidden items, and resolve overlapping selections more efficiently.

On-top selection and hover

Selected items remain visible even when overlapped by other geometry. This makes it easier to keep track of selections and navigate complex designs.

Select from overlapping items

When multiple items overlap in the same area, a pop-up list appears so you can select the exact sketch, face, or edge.

To select items more easily:

• Zoom in to better separate overlapping items in the pop-up list.
• Name sketches, faces, and bodies to make them easier to identify. If an item is unnamed, the pop-up will display its default name.
• You can use this method when working with dense or layered geometry for more precise selection.

Select Through mode

Access internal geometry without hiding or adjusting surrounding bodies. Use the context menu or keyboard shortcut to enable Select Through mode and select through visible geometry for faster edits.