Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 8/5/2010

Question
Is there a way of dragging to select while you're on top of
multiple objects? Lets say I'm working on a single layer
(don't question why!) and I have a background object that
covers the area underneath. I have multiple objects on top
and i want to select half of them at once but not the
background object. If the background object wasn't there
you'd normally just drag and select the ones you wanted.
However, because the background object is there you have to
move beyond the back object so you can drag. Is there a
shortcut or way to start dragging a selection square while
on top of an object that does not include it? Does that make
sense???

Answer
Hi Nicholas,

You can lock the background items you do not want to select, then you can drag over them without issue. After selecting the item(s) go to Object>Lock>Lock Selection. You could also try selecting in Outline mode, you will just have to drag over the paths of the objects you wish to select.

Thanks

Kevin