Can I select objects without loading their properties?

[j-dubya-merchant]

I don't think this is possible.  But I figured I'd check.

When I'm selecting objects without running a command, AutoCAD seems to "load" the properties of each object.  So if I select a large number of objects (or select complex objects, such as dynamic blocks), there's a noticeable delay between the moment I select those objects and the moment that I can either see the properties or run a command (assuming I have PICKFIRST turned on).  The more objects there are (or the more complex they are), the greater the delay, sometimes several seconds.

However, when I'm selecting objects mid-command, that "loading" process is eliminated.  Selection is immediate.  No perceivable delay.

So here's what I'm wondering.

Is it possible to have that mid-command selection (i.e., no property-loading; just immediate, seamless selection) be the default behavior when selecting objects without running a command?  Is it possible to just select objects and not load their properties unless I explicitly run a command like SELECT?  Or is this behavior (loading the properties of selected objects any time they're selected outside of a command) just baked-in behavior that can't be modified?

(I'm asking this is because I have a custom LISP that either zooms to extents (if no objects are selected) or zooms to the selected objects (if objects are selected), and I have it mapped to Shift-Right Click.  I wrote the command in such a way that it would only look for objects selected before running the command (i.e., PICKFIRST-objects only), which saved me from having to press Space / Enter.  But I got annoyed with the delay between selecting the objects and running the command (when I wanted to zoom to specific objects), so I changed it so that objects could be selected either before or after the command is invoked.  But this means that I have to hit Space / Enter every time I use it, and I -- an undiagnosed perfectionist -- find that annoying.)

Thanks in advance.

(EDIT:  I normally keep the Properties palette open at all times.  I have tried closing the Properties palette, which does reduce the "load" time, but doesn't eliminate it, which is what I'm hoping to achieve.)

[Kent1Cooper]

Do you operate with the Properties palette up all the time [as I normally do]?  Is that where you see the properties of selected objects "loaded"?  If you can live without that, does it help the situation?

[j-dubya-merchant]

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@Kent1Cooper wrote:

Do you operate with the Properties palette up all the time [as I normally do]?  Is that where you see the properties of selected objects "loaded"?  If you can live without that, does it help the situation?

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Yes, I do have the Properties palette up all the time.  I just now tried closing it to see if it makes any difference.  Closing it does seem to reduce the selection "loading" time, but it doesn't eliminate it, which is what I'm hoping to achieve.  A solid suggestion, though!  Thanks!

[paullimapa]

you can try to see if it makes a difference with the Properties window closed before you select objects without running a command.

[j-dubya-merchant]

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@paullimapa wrote:

you can try to see if it makes a difference with the Properties window closed before you select objects without running a command.

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I did try this.  It does seem to help a little bit, but there's still a delay even with the Properties palette closed.  Thanks!

[imadHabash]

Hi,

Is there any difference if you PURGE and -PURGE(RegApps)?

To purge RegApps (Registered Applications) in AutoCAD, use the -PURGE command (with a dash) at the command line, type R for Regapp, press Enter, then type * (asterisk for all) and press Enter, and finally type N to confirm or just keep pressing Enter to purge all unreferenced RegApps, which cleans up orphaned data from deleted objects, improving performance.

[tramber]

Did you close all the palettes ? i.e. LAYERS, DESIGN CENTER, and so on.

Just to know. They are the two I think of when selection is slow.

A lot of MTEXT or not ? You can feel a difference with QTEXTMODE on 1 (need some regens) ?

Transparency, lineweight on the screen too.

Those make the essence of my first gesture in the kind of situation we are talking about.

[-didier-]

Bonjour @j-dubya-merchant 

The palette of properties is properly CLOSED, not simply hidden ?

Amicalement

[j-dubya-merchant]

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@-didier- wrote:

Bonjour @j-dubya-merchant 

The palette of properties is properly CLOSED, not simply hidden ?

Amicalement

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As far as I'm aware, yes, it is properly closed.  I did not click the arrow at the top of the palette that toggles the Hide feature; I clicked the "X" icon, which, to my knowledge, closes the palette (unless there's some more thorough way to close a palette that I'm not aware of, which would not surprise me with AutoCAD).

[andersonwilloz88]

You are right. Object data loading occurs when you select the objects, and it occurs even more when PICKFIRST is enabled. It explains the slowdown in the process when working with a huge number of dynamic blocks.

There is no way to select objects without AutoCAD analyzing their attributes. It is inherent in the process of selection.

However, ligatures reduce the time required to draw text. This effect relates to the way text takes precedence when receiving input. Limiting ligature use can help, as well as avoiding commands that result in long expressions. Turned-off display properties and Quick Properties are beneficial, too. Turning PICKFIRST off and beginning commands prior to choosing might also prove beneficial.

There is no direct way but only slight adjustments that ensure that AutoCAD does not process much during the selection.