Part selection methods in part labeling

There are 3 methods for selecting parts when placing part labels with the Part Labeling function: point selection, line selection and box selection.

When the Part Labeling function is started, the selection method is point selection. Point selection is always used for plates. Line selection and box selection can be used for profiles only, and only for placing text or number labels. The line and box selection methods are useful for selecting multiple profiles at once, and placing the same part label type for all of them in one action.

The selection method can be changed with function dependent option 8, which becomes available only if either Text or Number label type is selected for profile labeling (with FDO 7).

For information on the function dependent options, see FDOs in selecting parts for part labeling.

Point selection

To select a part using the point selection, click the left mouse button as close as possible to the part to be labeled. You can also use the keyboard shortcut f to place the part attribute symbol to the position where the mouse pointer is located.

The types of parts in cross-section that can be selected for part labeling are defined in the System Management application, in Extra > Customize > Part Labeling > Settings > Selectable Items. However, a part in cross-section which is of a type that has not been set as a selectable type, can be selected by pressing c.

Line selection

The line selection method is used to place part labels for profiles along a temporary user-drawn line. Part labels are placed for those profiles in plan view which intersect with the line.

This selection method is only available for Text and Number label types.

Use FDO 8 to activate Line selection, and draw the line across one or more profiles. The part labels are placed alongside the line.

Note: Because selecting plates is always done using point selection, part labels cannot be placed for plates, or existing plate part labels changed, when line selection is active.

Box selection

The box selection method is used to place part labels for profiles within a defined area. With box selection you drag a box (rectangle) to select the parts for labeling. You do the dragging by pressing the left mouse button and at the same time moving the mouse pointer in the graphical window. Which profiles are selected depends on the direction you drag in:

• If you create the box by dragging from right to left, all the profiles which are either partially or completely inside the box are selected.

• If you create the box by dragging from left to right, only those profiles which are completely inside the box are selected.

This selection method is only available for Text and Number label types.

Use FDO 8 to activate Box selection, and draw the box around the profiles by dragging with the mouse. The part labels are placed at the midpoints of the profiles.

Note: Because selecting plates is always done using point selection, part labels cannot be placed for plates, or existing plate part labels changed, when box selection is active.