Select Expression

Select Expression

The selection expression is built up using the Qualifier and Operator pull-down menus of the form.  As items are chosen from these menus, the syntax is added to the main area of the form.

Qualifier

All

Use this option to identify all entities (this could be to select or deselect all entities)

Marquee

Use this option to identify entities with respect to the current Marquee.

  • Totally Inside
  • Totally Outside
  • Partially Inside
  • Partially Outside

Type

This option will open a twin list form with all entity types, such as Arc, Line etc., in the left-hand column.  You should move the required types to the right-hand column.

Palette

This option lists all palettes that are used in the current block in the left-hand column of a twin list form.  You should move the required palettes to the right-hand column.

Palette Type

This option lists all palette types in the left-hand column of a twin list form.  You should move the required palettes to the right-hand column.

Secondary Palette

This option lists all palettes that are used in the current block in the left-hand column of a twin list form.  You should move the required palettes to the right-hand column.

Block

This option will open a twin list form and display all blocks that are inserted in the current block in the left-hand column.  You should move the required blocks to the right-hand column.

Symbol

This option will open a twin list form and display all symbols that are inserted in the current block in the left-hand column.  You should move the required symbols to the right-hand column.

Text

This option is used to identify text entities using their attributes.  The following form is displayed:-

Enter the required minimum and maximum values.  If both values are left at zero then they will be ignored.

Bridges

This option is used to identify bridged entities using their bridge data.  The following form is displayed:-

Enter the required minimum and maximum values.

Bridge mode

This option will open a twin list and display all bridge modes in the left-hand column.  You should move the required modes to the right-hand column.

Manufacturing Details

This option is used to identify entities using their manufacturing details.  The following form is displayed:-

Enter the required minimum and maximum values.

Size

This option is used to identify entities using their entity length or arc radius.  The following form is displayed:-

Enter the required minimum and maximum values.

Angle

This option is used to identify entities using their angle (from start to end points) or the sweep of an arc.  The following form is displayed:-

Enter the required minimum and maximum values.

Other

This option is used to identify entities that either overlap or are end to end with other entities.  The following form is displayed:-

Switch on the required option(s).

Operator

From the drop-down list select the required operator, a parenthesis or change the default And/Or operator.  The default operator will be added automatically between successive qualifier expressions.

Clear

Press this button to delete all of the entries in the expression.

Clear Last

Press this button to delete the last entry that was added to the expression.

Save

This button allows you to save the current Select Expression as a new Master Tool Setting.

Saved select expressions can be loaded from the Edit Bar when the Select Line, Select Box, Select Window or Select and Drag tool is activated.

Save Selection

From the drop-down list choose the required Select Expression Master Tool Setting to use.

Delete

Press this button to remove the chosen Select Expression from the Master tool Setting list.

Once the expression has been created choose the appropriate button:-

Add

This will select all entities to which the selection expression is applicable (in other words, add them to the selection set); this leaves any previously selected entities unchanged.

Subtract

This will deselect all entities to which the selection expression is applicable (in other words, subtract them from the selection set); this leaves any previously unselected entities unchanged.

Retain

This will deselect any entities to which the selection the selection expression is not applicable; this leaves any previously unselected entities unchanged.

Close

This will close the select expression and cancel the tool.

Examples

The form shown at the top of this page shows an expression that could be used to select all Arcs whose palette is type Cut.

As a slightly more complicated example, if you wish to select all short cut lines, first deselect all entities and then do the following:

Start the Select Expression tool

From the Qualifier pull-down list, select Palette

From the list of palettes in use, choose Cut and press OK

From the Qualifier pull-down list, select Type

From the list of entity types, choose Line and press OK

From the Qualifier pull-down list, select Size

In the Locus Length section, enter a minimum of 0mm and a maximum of 25mm then press OK.

The select expression should show:-

(Palette == "Cut") and (Type == Line) and (Locus Length >= 0.00mm And Locus Length <= 25.00mm)

Finally, press the Add button.

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