Window selection is a core operation in ZWCAD. If the selection window suddenly fails to appear when clicking and dragging the mouse, even though commands run normally, it usually indicates a setting-related issue rather than a software malfunction.
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This article focuses on quickly identifying and fixing this problem.
The problem usually occurs when window selection-related settings are changed unintentionally. In most cases, the selection window does not appear because:
These changes can happen after modifying preferences, importing custom settings, using different workspaces, or opening drawings created on other computers or in other CAD software.
This method lets you quickly fix the window selection issue by adjusting the main selection settings in ZWCAD. It's straightforward, beginner-friendly, and doesn't require any deep system setting. By following these steps, you ensure that the selection rectangle appears and works as expected every time.
1. Type Options in the command line and open it.
2. Click the Selection, check Support automatic windowing, and set Window selection method to Both – Automatic detection.
If you are using an older version, check Implied windowing in the Selection tab.
After fixing the selection window issue through the Options dialog, you can further adjust the behavior of window selection using the system variables PICKAUTO and PICKDRAG. These variables allow you to customize when and how the selection window is activated.
The PICKAUTO system variable determines under what conditions it will start a window or crossing selection. By adjusting its value, you can control whether selection begins automatically when your cursor is over an object, when nothing is selected, or even enable lasso selection. Understanding each option helps you decide which behavior best fits your drawing style.
| Value | Setting |
|---|---|
| 0 | Turn off window selection and crossing selection. |
| 1 | Start automatic window selection or crossing selection if nothing is selected by cursor on clicking the mouse. |
| 2 | Start window or window cross selection even when the cursor is on the object. Only takes effect when using drag selection and the object is selected before executing the command. |
| 4 | If the cursor is not on the object when clicking and dragging, lasso selection starts. |
Tips:
Use the command line and enter the value you want:
The PICKDRAG system variable controls the way the selection window is drawn. You can choose to select objects by clicking two points, by clicking and dragging, or have both options available. Adjusting this helps you match the selection behavior to your personal preference and the type of drawings you work with.
| Value | Setting |
|---|---|
| 0 | Draw the selection window using two points. Click once to select one point, and click again to complete the selection. |
| 1 | Draw the selection window by clicking and dragging. Click to start the selection, while release the mouse button to complete the selection. |
| 2 | Both options are available. |
Tips:
Use the command line and enter the value you want:
Window selection may fail if the target objects or layers are locked or frozen. Additionally, certain system variables, such as PICKAUTO and PICKDRAG, may be set in a way that prevents automatic selection from triggering as expected. Ensure the objects you want to select are on unlocked and visible layers, and check these system variables to confirm they are set appropriately.
If the selection rectangle moves slowly or flickers, it may be due to hardware graphics performance or large drawings. Enabling hardware acceleration in ZWCAD, reducing the number of visible complex objects, or temporarily hiding layers not needed for selection can improve responsiveness.
With the correct Options settings and system variables in place, the window selection problem in ZWCAD can be resolved quickly and reliably.
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