Troubleshooting AutoCAD selection problems, The ‘PICKFIRST’ System Variable.
There are a number of problems associated to picking and editing objects in AutoCAD that can be tracked down to the troublesome ‘PICKFIRST’ system variable.
Problems:
‘When I double click on some Mtext, Nothing happens’
‘When I select an item and then use the Layers drop down, the Item’s layer doesn’t change’
Solution:
Check out the ‘PICKFIRST’ System Variable. This Variable Controls whether you select objects before (noun-verb selection) or after you issue a command.
0 Turns off PICKFIRST; you select objects after you issue a command
1 Turns on PICKFIRST; you select objects before you issue a command
You can also set the PICKFIRST value in the ‘OPTIONS‘ Dialogue on the ‘SELECTION‘ tab under ‘SELECTION MODES‘
An explanation of Noun-Verb selection
AutoCAD has two ways of selecting items and performing commands. Either you can start the command, and then select the item you want the command to process – or you can pick an item, and then start the command. AutoCAD will assume that the item you have selected is the one you want to process.
‘PICKFIRST’ Controls this behaviour, and it can be affected by ‘The ghost in the machine’, so write that system variable down in your notebook, on a post-it, or on the back of your hand – it’s worth remembering!
Every time a make a dimension line or arrow my screen shown square with dot inside
Hi Nestor,
Please could you post your question on the AutoCAD forum?
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad/ct-p/8
There are support people waiting to help you!
Please post a link to your forum post back here in the comments, so that we can follow along.
Paul
Im using autocad 2011, once i select the object first before command, the modify toolbars does not wok
Hi Thami,
Have you tried the advice in the article?
If it doesn’t help, please post your problem in the AutoCAD forums:
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-forum/bd-p/706
Not only will you get a quicker and more comprehensive answer than I can give, but the solution will be logged for future AutoCAD users to learn from.
If you do write a post on the forum, remember to come back here and post a link in reply to this comment so that we can follow your progress!
Thanks very much,
Paul
Thank you so much !! This was very helpful !
You are welcome Almuzn :)
Thank u so much Sir….
Hi Jyotiranjan,
Please post your question on the Autodesk forums:
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/custom/page/page-id/discussions-page
Not only will you get a quicker and more comprehensive answer than I can give you, but the answer will be there to help others who have the same problem :)
If you post on the forums – link back here to your post!
Paul
THANK YOU so much…………..
thanks soooo much
You are welcome Polq :)
iam using autocad 2015 mechanical, please give detail on how to change pick first from 1:0 to 0:1
Hi Bubala,
This works in exactly the same way for AutoCAD Mechanical.
Paul
Hi
i have problem in autocad 2010 HOW TO REMOVED OSNEP SCROL BATON
Hi Shamir,
I’m sorry – I don’t understand the question. Please could you clarify it?
Paul
thanks a lot sir
Hi
i have problem in autocad 2013.when it is getting on Internet explorer pages occurs more than 10 pages automatically and also it get hangup
it is Network license
Sorry Kamlesh, I don’t understand your question.
Can I suggest that you post it in the Autodesk Forums?
http://forums.autodesk.com/
Paul
Sean,
Have you tried setting ‘Pickfirst’ to 1?
Next make sure ‘Pickadd’ is also set to 1
Paul
Hello,
I am trying to select multiple objects, but after i select the first object, and i select the second object the first object is not selected now.
how can i fix this?
The Cad Model is being modified, but when I view the Modified layout it does not show the changes.
What is wrong.
Hi Mmccartney, thanks for your comment. Could you supply a little more detail? What software are you using? Is it a 3D model? Can you attach a screen shot?
Fill me in on he details and I’ll see if I can help you out.