Commands

ADDSELECTED command in AutoCAD : Creates a new object of the same type and general properties as a selected object, but with different geometric values

If you need a clear, step‑by‑step guide to using the addselected command in AutoCAD, this article explains what the command does, how to use it, why it can fail, alternative methods, practical tips, and a helpful FAQ. It’s written for beginners and optimized to help you find answers quickly.

What is the ADDSELECTED command?

The ADDSELECTED command in AutoCAD lets you create a new object of the same type and with the same general properties as a chosen existing object, while allowing you to supply different geometric values (position, size, endpoints, etc.). In short, it uses an existing object as a template for styling and property defaults, then prompts you to define the new geometry.

Common properties copied include layer, color, linetype, lineweight, plot style, and for many object types, Text style or dimension style. Behavior can vary by AutoCAD version or if the object is a block, annotative, or has special properties.

When to use addselected

Use ADDSELECTED when you want to:

  • Create multiple objects of the same type and appearance quickly (for example, another line or circle with identical styling).
  • Ensure consistency across drawings by reusing an existing object’s properties as the default for new geometry.
  • Avoid manually setting properties each time you create a similar object.

It is particularly useful in workflows where visual consistency (layer, color, linetype, text/dim styles) matters and you want to accelerate repeated creation tasks.

How to use addselected command (Step by step)

Note: Exact prompts and behavior can vary by AutoCAD version or customization. If the command is not available, see the troubleshooting section below.

  1. Start the command:
    • Type ADDSELECTED (or the exact alias your installation uses) at the command line, then press Enter.
  2. Select the template object:
    • Click the object whose properties you want to copy. This object becomes the source/template.
  3. Confirm or choose options:
    • If prompts appear (for example to choose which properties to copy), follow them. Some implementations let you toggle copying of specific property sets.
  4. Define the new geometry:
    • Use the normal creation prompts for that object type (pick two endpoints for a line, center+radius for a circle, insertion point for text, etc.). The command will create a new object using the template’s general properties but with the geometric values you provide.
  5. Repeat or exit:
    • Many implementations allow multiple creations in a single command session. Press Enter or Esc to exit when finished.
  6. Verify and adjust:
    • If needed, adjust properties in the Properties palette or use MATCHPROP / PROPERTIES to fine-tune.
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Shortcut: There is no universal built‑in single‑key shortcut for ADDSELECTED. You can create one with the CUI editor or define an alias (for example, add “AS” mapped to ADDSELECTED in acad.pgp) to speed access.

Options and important behaviors

  • Properties typically copied: layer, color, linetype, lineweight, plot style, text style (for text objects), dimension style (for dimensions), and visibility/plotting flags.
  • Object types supported: standard drawing entities (lines, polylines, circles, arcs, text, dimensions). Support for blocks, dynamic blocks, and Annotative objects can be limited or behave differently.
  • Blocks: If the source is a block, ADDSELECTED may create a new block reference with the same block name or may not support block geometry — results vary by implementation.
  • Annotative objects: annotation scale and annotative properties may not copy as expected; verify annotation scale after creation.
  • Layer overrides: If layer properties or xref layer overrides are active, new objects may inherit effective display properties but still reference the underlying layer settings.
  • Styles and overrides: Text height, dimension overrides, or object-specific overrides may or may not copy depending on how the command was implemented.

Why addselected might not work (common errors and fixes)

  1. Command not recognized

    • Symptom: AutoCAD returns “Unknown command”.
    • Fixes:
      • Check spelling and case (command names are not case sensitive but aliases/config can differ).
      • Ensure your version of AutoCAD includes the command (some commands are part of optional toolsets or third‑party add-ins).
      • If you added the command via an app or LISP, load the corresponding app or LISP file.
      • Create a custom alias in acad.pgp or add the command to your CUI if you want faster access.

  2. Object type incompatible

    • Symptom: Command runs but won’t create the desired object, or prompts indicate incompatibility.
    • Fixes:
      • Use a supported object as the template.
      • For blocks or complex objects, consider using BLOCK/INSERT, MATCHPROP, or explode the block (if appropriate).

  3. Layer is locked or frozen

    • Symptom: New object is created but not editable or not visible.
    • Fixes:
      • Unlock/unfreeze the destination layer or change the layer before creating the object.
      • Check layer states and xref layer overrides.

  4. Properties overridden by layer or style

    • Symptom: New object appears with different color/linetype than expected.
    • Fixes:
      • Confirm whether the object’s properties come from layer settings, object overrides, or plot style; adjust accordingly.
      • Use the Properties palette to see exact source of each property.

  5. Annotative scaling / text style issues

    • Symptom: Text height or annotation scale not retained.
    • Fixes:
      • Verify annotative settings and text/dimension styles after creation.
      • Use the PROPERTIES palette or reassign styles as needed.

  6. Selection or system settings interfering

    • Symptom: Command doesn’t prompt or selection behaves oddly.
    • Fixes:
      • Ensure PICKFIRST is enabled if you intend to preselect.
      • Reset problematic system variables to defaults or restart AutoCAD.
      • Disable selection filters or temporary overrides.

  7. Unexpected results due to dynamic blocks or constraints

    • Symptom: Geometry created but behaves differently (e.g., parameters locked).
    • Fixes:
      • Use EXPLODE (with caution) or edit the block definition.
      • Use MATCHPROP for simpler property transfer.
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Alternative commands and workflows

If ADDSELECTED is not available or not suitable, use these alternatives:

  • MATCHPROP (MA): Copies properties from a source object to one or more existing destination objects. Great for applying styles after creation.
  • PROPERTIES palette: Manually inspect and assign individual properties.
  • COPY / OFFSET / ARRAY: Create geometric copies then adjust properties as needed.
  • BLOCK / WBLOCK / INSERT: Create reusable blocks to ensure consistent geometry and properties.
  • DesignCenter (ADCENTER) and Tool Palettes: Pull styled objects or blocks into the drawing with preserved properties.
  • Quick Select (QSELECT) and FILTER: Select objects by type and properties for batch editing with MATCHPROP or PROPERTIES.
  • Custom LISP routines or scripts: Create automated workflows for repetitive creation using a template object.

Practical tips and best practices

  • Create template objects (a dedicated layer or a template drawing) that store the preferred properties for different object types. Use those as your source objects.
  • Use blocks for repeated complex geometry — blocks preserve geometry and properties reliably.
  • If you frequently need ADDSELECTED, create an alias or toolbar/ribbon button so the command is one click away.
  • Check if properties are coming from the layer. If so, update the layer definition to change multiple objects at once.
  • Use the Properties palette to inspect exactly which attributes were copied and fix exceptions immediately.
  • Keep consistent text and dimension styles in a template (.dwt) so new drawings inherit correct styles.
  • When in doubt, use MATCHPROP to apply properties to already-created objects—it’s universal and predictable.

Examples (short scenarios)

Example 1 — Create a new line with same style

  • Start ADDSELECTED.
  • Click an existing line (template).
  • Pick two points for new endpoints — new line uses template’s layer, color, and linetype.
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Example 2 — Add a circle with same properties as template circle

  • Start ADDSELECTED.
  • Select the template circle.
  • Specify center and radius for the new circle.

Example 3 — Recreate text with same style but different content

  • Start ADDSELECTED.
  • Select the existing text object (template).
  • Place the new text and type the new string — it inherits font, height, and justification.

FAQ

What is the difference between ADDSELECTED and MATCHPROP?

Answer: ADDSELECTED creates a new object with geometry you specify while copying general properties from a template object. MATCHPROP copies properties from a source to one or more existing destination objects. Use ADDSELECTED to create new, styled objects; use MATCHPROP to fix styling on objects you already drew.

Why does AutoCAD say “Unknown command” when I type ADDSELECTED?

Answer: That message means AutoCAD doesn’t recognize the command in your current installation. The command may be part of an add‑on, a custom script, or not available in your AutoCAD version. Check for installed apps or load the associated LISP/ARX file. You can also create a custom alias (in acad.pgp) or implement a similar workflow with MATCHPROP or a LISP routine.

Will ADDSELECTED copy block definitions and attributes?

Answer: Behavior varies. In many cases ADDSELECTED does not duplicate block definitions; it might insert a block reference or may not support blocks fully. Attributes and Dynamic block parameters can behave unpredictably. For consistent block reuse, create and insert a proper block definition using BLOCK/WBLOCK/INSERT.

Can ADDSELECTED copy annotative or scaled properties correctly?

Answer: Not always. Annotative properties and annotation scales can behave differently depending on your AutoCAD settings. Always verify annotation scale and text/dimension styles after creating annotative objects.

Is there an undo if I make a mistake with ADDSELECTED?

Answer: Yes — you can use UNDO (Ctrl+Z) immediately after creation to remove the last created object(s). For batch operations, ensure your undo settings are appropriate.

How can I speed up using ADDSELECTED regularly?

Answer: Create a Command alias (e.g., AS) in acad.pgp, add a ribbon button or toolbar icon, or record a macro. Also keep template objects in an easily accessible drawing or tool palette for quick selection.

My new object still looks different after using ADDSELECTED — why?

Answer: Check whether the object’s appearance is controlled by layer settings, plot styles, or object-specific overrides. Also verify if the source object had hidden or temporary overrides that didn’t transfer. Use the Properties palette to inspect both source and new objects.

Can I automate ADDSELECTED for many objects?

Answer: Yes — you can write or obtain a LISP or script that mimics ADDSELECTED behavior (select template, loop prompts for geometry, create objects). For large batches, consider blocks or scripted creation combined with MATCHPROP for final styling.

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