The Lasso Selection in AutoCAD

The Lasso selection in AutoCAD allows you to create an irregularly shaped window or crossing selection set.  Instead of picking two points for a rectangular window (from left to right) or a crossing selection (from right to left), you just press and drag to use the Lasso.  The Lasso going from left to right is still a window selection and right to left is still a crossing.

Some users really like this technique, but it may take a little getting used to depending on how heavy handed you are with the mouse.  If your click is too long you might start the Lasso without intending to.  This is why one common question is “How do I turn the Lasso off?”  So if you have tried it, don’t like it, and would prefer to never see the Lasso again; just go to the AutoCAD Options dialog box.  On the Selection tab disable the option to “Allow press and drag for Lasso”.  That will disable the Lasso and leave you with the standard window and crossing rectangles you are familiar with using.