Select Tool changes and I can't select entities 1

[tluxon]

I've been using SolidWorks since '96 and I've run into something a couple of times in the last year or so that I just can't figure out.

Something seems to inadvertantly and inexplicably (in MY mind) change the select tool to the pointer plus an outline that looks a little like a funnel. I don't know if it's some kind of selection filter or what, but it allows me to select edges and contours that are on the surface of the part, while not allowing me to select already existing entities. I also can't dimension anything while that "mode" is active. There's no obvious way to turn it off.

Can anyone explain this "feature" to me and describe how I can turn it off?

Thanks,

Tim

 

[TheTick]

That is the selection filter. Very handy thing if used properly.

I always keep the selection filter toolbar visible for ready use. Right-click in the gray area next to a toolbar and select the selection filter to make it visible. If there is a filter active, you will see it selected on the toolbar buttons. This is also one place where you can deactivate the filter.

It could be that someone has programmed a hotkey for the selection filter without your knowledge.

If the ladies don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

 

[tluxon]

No one could program a hotkey on my system without my knowledge, as I'm the only one in the company who regularly uses SW. However, I use function keys a lot and I think I might have accidently hit F6, which I discovered toggles filters on and off right after I posted.

I haven't found much need for filters yet, but I may in the future.

Thanks,

Tim

 

[MadMango]

There are several default hotkeys to toggle certain selection filters on and off.

E= model edges
X= model faces
V= model vertices

To hide/show the selection filter toolbar, F5.
To turn selected filters on/off, F6.

There might be a few more...

MadMango
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[JNR]

Thanks, MadMango. My system does that sometimes. I realised it was me not the system, but I couldn't get excited enough about it to go figure it out. My problem is I touch-type with all fingers kinda correctly, but I am notoriously inaccurate!!!

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