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Use SelectSimilar to Find Layer Mishaps
Tip# 4406 By Wendy Brodeur On 15-Dec-2014
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Rated By 0 users
Categories : Standardize Data, Drawing Properties, Layer Tools
Software type : AutoCAD 2015
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Repair drawings with inaccurate or nonexistent layers.

I have a pet peeve: opening a drawing from someone else and finding that the layers are inaccurate, or even worse, nonexistent! I use the SelectSimilar command in AutoCAD to help me repair such issues. This tip is also handy for checking your own work, or projects you are overseeing, to correct instances of objects on misplaced layers.

Type SelectSimilar in the Command line, then type SE for this command’s settings. In the SelectSimilar Settings box, you can choose from a variety of options to help you get objects on their correct layers (but you obviously would not want to use the Layer field). For example, say all the blue text on the drawing belongs on layer TEXT_BLUE. In the Settings box, select Color and Name and click OK. Then select one of the blue texts and hit enter. In the Properties box, you will notice the Layer is *VARIES*. This confirms that not all of the blue text is on the same layer. Simply change the layer from the drop-down menu to TEXT_BLUE. In cases of nonexistent layers, you may need to create some layers first before performing the SelectSimilar command.



Notes from Cadalyst tip reviewer R.K. McSwain: This is another good use of the SelectSimilar command. Just be sure to verify the Settings inside of the SelectSimilar command so you'll know what the command is actually selecting.

 

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User comments
Comment by Kriz,Jack
Posted on 2014-12-16 10:34:57
Tried on two different AutoCAD Architecture installations and did not get the SE dialog. Does this not work in ACA? See below: Command: SELECTSIMILAR Select objects: se *Invalid selection* Expects a point or Window/Last/Crossing/BOX/ALL/Fence/WPolygon/CPolygon/Group/Add/Remove/Multiple/Previous/Undo/AUto/SIngle Select objects: *Cancel*
Comment by Wenzel,Volker
Posted on 2014-12-17 08:15:53
Hi Jack, try out the old filter command, set your settings, for example "Text" and "Colour=blue", hit ok and type "all" to search and pick all blue text objects in your drawing. After creating your selectionset in this way you may use the layermatch-command ("laymch" in Acad 2008) to pick an existing layer from your layerlist or to create a new one, or the "laycur" command to change your selected objects to the currend layer. I don't use ribbons but buttons and therefore I've made buttons for this three commands... Maybe you have to search in the ribbons for the currect button; I can't say where to find.
Comment by McSwain,R.K.
Posted on 2014-12-27 15:05:37
I'm not sure Jack. This was tested on vanilla AutoCAD 2015. I'll try attaching a screenshot of the command line. Does your's match this?