Shortcut to select copy paste part of an illustration

[christovw66]

AD fam,

 

On many of the AD tutorials I see a click/drag operation used to select an item you want to isolate for copy/paste purposes.

 

My question, is the click/drag done while holding down a keyboard key (i.e., the 'alt' or 'command' key)?

 

When I click/drag over a given area that I'm trying to cut out, I see the light blue square/rectangle cover said area...but when I release my finger from the mouse it seems I'm unable to 'capture' (copy) the selection.

 

I know I'm missing something simple - please have mercy on me.

 

Thanks in advance.

-Christo

[Alfred]

By default, to marquee-select an item (or multiple items) you have to completely enclose the target item(s). To change this behaviour, go to 'Edit > Preferences... > Tools' and put a tick in the checkbox labelled 'Select object when intersects with selection marquee'.

 

If an item is part of a group, you need to Cmd-drag (or Ctrl-drag on Windows) to marquee-select it, just as you would need to Cmd/Ctrl-click to select it by clicking on it instead of drawing out a marquee.

[christovw66]

Brilliant!...why, Alfred - you've done it again sir.

 

Much thanks,

-Christo

[Alfred]

You're welcome, Christo. I'm glad I was able to help. :)