Find and Replace from Annotate tab uses previous selection set.

[patrick.gierzynski]

I just upgraded from AutoCAD LT 2014 to AutoCAD 2017 and decided to try and give the ribbon interface another go.  I was using the classic workspace in LT.

So I start a new drawing and click the Annotate tab, then click Single Line text.  I go through the prompts and now I have

ABC123 out in space somewhere.  I copy ABC123 two more times now I have

ABC123

ABC123

ABC123

So I window select these three and copy to the right.  Now I have

ABC123 ABC123

ABC123 ABC123

ABC123 ABC123

From here I window select the three on the right then type ABC in the find box on the ribbon and click the magnifying glass button, AutoCAD announces that it has found 3 ABC's.  I dismiss the announcement and set Replace With to DEF.  Then I click the Replace All button.  AutoCAD announces that it has found three and replaced three.  I dismiss the announcement and click the Done button and I now have

DEF123 ABC123

DEF123 ABC123

DEF123 ABC123

It always uses the previous selection set to search through.  The previous set being the one I created when I copied the text over to the right.  It doesn't matter which direction the text is copied.  Only the ribbon version does this.  The command line and classic Edit menu versions work correctly.  I've also found this in LT 2013 and LT 2014 so it's been around a while.

I've found a work around to be click on the magnifying glass first with no selection set to open Find and Replace.  I have to do this without any text in the ribbon field or AutoCAD will search the whole drawing which takes forever.  Then click the cross button to make the selection set.  The problem with the work around is I have to remember to use it.  The first indication that I forgot will be that there is a whole section of machinery with all of the wires, valves, switches labeled wrong that needs to be corrected.

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @patrick.gierzynski,

Welcome to the Autodesk Community!

I haven't seen this before! I always just type Find. Perhaps you should  create a new custom button on the ribbon that does just Find which will bring up the Find and Replace feature.

I will investigate further.

[john.vellek]

Hi @patrick.gierzynski,

I am checking back to see if my post helped you with your problem or if you need additional assistance or information. Please add a post with how you decide to proceed and your results so other Community members may benefit.

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if my post fully solves your issue or answers your question.

[patrick.gierzynski]

I went with your suggestion and modified the ribbon.