Controlling the selection-versus-editing process

The principle of editing in the Property window as described in chapter Selections versus editing of properties can be controlled by means of settings made in the Environment settings.

The Environment settings dialogue contains item Maximum number of grouping properties. This items tells the program what is the maximum number of entities for which the "selection-versus-editing" process should be started.

In other words, if the user selects fewer entities than specified in the parameter Maximum number of grouping properties, the Property window is filled in with the parameters of selected entities. Consequently, the parameters can be easily edited.

On the other hand, if the number of selected entities is greater than the number specified in parameter Maximum number of grouping properties, the Property window is left blank. If required, the Property window may be filled in manually by pressing button [Update property dialogue] () located at the top right corner of the Property window..

This feature may be useful particularly for large projects with a great number of entities. The time that is necessary to collect and sort all the parameters of all selected entities is growing with the number of selected entities. In addition, it is assumed that usually the user will select only a limited number of entities for direct editing in the Property window. And, if the user selects a really vast number of entities, it is assumed that the selection was made for some of manipulation functions and not for direct editing.

Therefore, it is possible to make as large selection as necessary and apply any of manipulation function to it, but the Property window is not filled in for excessive selections. If, however, the user does want to edit directly even the enormous number of entities, he/she may fill in the Property window manually by means of the above mentioned button.