Jim Dee sends us a tip on hiding and isolating objects with AutoCAD commands.

"While working on complicated drawings, especially 3D drawings, I suggest using the HideObjects, IsolateObjects, and UnisolateObjects commands. For example, if you have a large 3D model, and you're making some changes to the entry of a building, you can isolate the objects you're working with and everything else goes away. When you're done making changes, you can unisolate, then repeat the process in other areas. It's a great technique for removing clutter while you're working, plus it also speeds up regeneration, zooms, and pans. This technique is often better than freezing/thawing layers, because freezing/thawing layers may mean hunting for each layer in the Layer Manager. (Note: You will need to remember to unisolate before you exit the drawing, because the hidden objects will appear to have been deleted when you enter the drawing later or if the drawing is referenced into another.)"
 
Notes from Cadalyst Tip Patrol: HideObjects, IsolateObjects, and UnisolateObjects are new tools in AutoCAD 2011. They act similarly to the IsolateLayer commands, except they isolate or hide selected objects regardless of layer. Select your objects, right-click, then choose either Hide Objects or Isolate Objects from the right-click menu. Hide will hide the selected objects, whereas Isolate will hide everything but the selected objects. If any objects have been isolated or hidden, a lightbulb icon at the bottom of the drawing area will turn red. Make sure to check this setting when you open a drawing, and if you are missing objects, check the bulb; they may be there, but hidden.