Invert selection for sketched patterned elements

[timdown73]

Is there a way to invert my selection so that I can subtract or extrude the cicles instead of the area around them?  As is now, I have to select every circle to subtract them from the shape. See image below.  Thanks.

[mrattray · Accepted solution]

No, I don't believe there is a way. However, if you had made this as a feature pattern instead of a sketch pattern, you wouldn't have so many profiles to deal with.

[timdown73]

Good point.  I'll keep that in mind.  In this case though it's nice to have the sketch dimensions to work with but I suppose if I kept the sketch visible I could still use them.  Thanks mrattray.

[mrattray]

If by "to work with" you mean use as parameters, don't forget that pattern spacing and occurences are usable parameters.

[JDMather]

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@timdown73 wrote:

... it's nice to have the sketch dimensions to work with but I suppose if I kept the sketch visible I could still use them. 

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To emphasize the point already made - you can use those same dimensions you show in your sketch in the Feature Pattern as parameters.

I just had a student do something similar but had other features in the wrong order that would have required starting over.  The solution was to do the feature New Solid and then the Feature Pattern, trim the pattern (which you might not need to do in your case) with the Split command and then finally Combine - Cut.
The multi-body technique saved a lot of rework that would have been involved in starting over.

[timdown73]

Thanks for all the help/input guys. I appreciate it.  (Invert selection would still be nice though):smileywink:

[Rory_M · Accepted solution]

If they're through holes you could keep the selection you have and extrude as "intersect" rather than "cut".

Rory

[timdown73]

Rory_M - You hit the nail on the head.  That's what I needed.  I don't use that option as much as I should.   Thanks man!