Selecting 3D Parts

There are multiple ways to select 3D parts in the 3D Model Tree tab and 3D Model Window.

ClosedSelecting Parts From the 3D Model Tree Tab

Select the desired parts in the 3D Model Tree section of the 3D Model Tree tab.

Note: Selecting a part in the tree will select all of the children parts in that branch of the model tree.

ClosedSelecting Parts in the 3D Model Window
ClosedSelecting parts one at a time
  • Click any part to select a single part.
  • Hold down the SHIFT key to continue selecting additional parts.
  • Hold down the SHIFT+CTRL keys to unselect a single part.
ClosedSelecting multiple parts by defining a region

Click Select from the   Mouse Interaction menu.

  • Hold down the CTRL key to draw a spherical shaped selection area.
  • Hold down the CTRL+ALT keys to draw a cube shaped selection area.

You can also use the ALT key to select parts without using Select.

  • Hold down the ALT key and draw a rectangle to select parts.
ClosedSelecting if the part is enclosed or intersects the selection region

The direction the selection area is drawn affects whether a part is selected when it is enclosed within or intersects the area.

  • Drawing left to right will require that the parts being selected are completely enclosed by the selection area.
  • Drawing right to left will only require that the box makes contact with the part.
ClosedAdding or removing parts

Single parts can be selected or unselected after drawing a selection area by holding down SHIFT or SHIFT+CTRL when clicking on the part.

ClosedSelected parts

Selected parts will be highlighted in the 3D drawing area and in the 3D Model Tree to show they are selected.

ClosedCopying 3D Parts into a New 3D Model Window

3D parts can be selected, copied, and then pasted to create a new 3D model window. This is useful if you want to create a new 3D model window of a small section of a larger model, for example to use as an RFI.

To paste parts into a new 3D model window: 

  1. Select the parts using any of the methods described above.
  2. Right-click on one of the selected parts and select Copy.
  3. Move the cursor outside the 3D model window.
  4. Go to Edit >  Clipboard > Paste or press CTRL+V.

  5. Click and drag a rectangle to define the area of the 3D model to be pasted. The Add 3D Content dialog box appears.

  6. By default, the views and the default display settings are copied from the original file. You can change any of these, if desired.
  7. Click OK.

Use the 3D Editor to the edit the size or location of the new 3D model window.

Related topics

3D Model Tree Tab

Interacting with 3D PDFs

Creating and Editing the 3D Model Window