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Block Count using SelectSimilar
Tip# 4405 By Wendy Brodeur On 15-Dec-2014
3
 Rated By 2 users
Categories : List, Standard Blocks
Software type : AutoCAD 2015
Rename File To : No Files to download.
Perform quick quantity checks of certain object types.

In my work, I must have an accurate count of special devices. I use the SelectSimilar command in AutoCAD to accomplish this quickly and efficiently. For example, say I need to verify the number of smoke detectors in my drawing. I have created a block representing the detectors called “SMOKE” that I have inserted at the appropriate locations on my floor plan.

I type SelectSimilar in the Command line, then I type SE for this command’s settings. In the SelectSimilar Settings box, I choose only the Name field and click OK. Next, I select one of the SMOKE blocks, and press Enter. In the Properties box, you will see “Block Reference (38)” at the top. The (38) represents the number of times the block is found in that drawing, and hence your device count. (Note: If you are in Model space, it does not include blocks in Paper Space, meaning it will not include your legend!)



Notes from Cadalyst tip reviewer R.K. McSwain: This is a great tip for doing quick quantity checks of certain object types, such as blocks. Just be sure to verify the Settings inside of the SelectSimilar command so you'll know what the command is actually selecting.
 

Average Rating:
3


User comments
Comment by Ridenhour,Mark
Posted on 2014-12-15 13:50:19
You can also simply select one of your blocks and right Click and choose "select Similar" then right click again to select "properties" to get there even faster. You just have to make sure all your blocks are on the same layer. But "Select similar" helps to fix that as well.
Comment by Troiano,Joseph
Posted on 2014-12-15 13:52:14
Good tip, but care should be taken using this tip with dynamic blocks. I use dynamic blocks for receptacles. One of the types is standard and the other dedicated which changes the visibility state of the block. When I select one of the standard receptacles select similar only counts those types of blocks and ignores the dedicated even though it is the same block in the drawing.
Comment by Applegate,Steve
Posted on 2014-12-15 14:14:20
I am/was a long-time R14 user and wasn't aware of these options. I always used the 'filter option which (roughly) accomplishes similar functionality (while allowing even more control of selected objects) - but is much more time-consuming than the Selectsimilar tool. For example, type Select (or a command such as move or change) and then at select-objects prompt type 'filter (or grab the filter option from menu/ribbon/etc. location). All attributes that can be associated with objects can be set up here and the [Add Selected Object] button can be used to achieve similar (no pun intended) functionality - to the Selectsimilar command.
Comment by Applegate,Steve
Posted on 2014-12-15 14:14:26
I am/was a long-time R14 user and wasn't aware of these options. I always used the 'filter option which (roughly) accomplishes similar functionality (while allowing even more control of selected objects) - but is much more time-consuming than the Selectsimilar tool. For example, type Select (or a command such as move or change) and then at select-objects prompt type 'filter (or grab the filter option from menu/ribbon/etc. location). All attributes that can be associated with objects can be set up here and the [Add Selected Object] button can be used to achieve similar (no pun intended) functionality - to the Selectsimilar command.
Comment by Wenzel,Volker
Posted on 2014-12-17 07:51:30
Hi, I always use the "count" command and will get every block within the searchwindow no matter what color, linetype, layer and so on as a list in the Textwindow to copy and paste in office software... If I type in "count" and then "all" I will get a list of every named block in my drawing. I found this very helpful to get an overview especially in drawings from other people...