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Object selection feedback (Bounding box)

Elena Damiani
  • Updated

3CAD Next introduces a new object selection feedback mode based on an object’s bounding box rather than its actual geometry. This mode provides a clear, consistent visual indication when selecting objects in the 3D scene, regardless of their shape or complexity.

The bounding box selection feedback is designed to improve usability and readability, especially when working with complex, irregular, or imported models. 

 

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Feature description

The bounding box selection feedback mode displays a visual outline around the selected object using its bounding box.

Key characteristics:

  • Geometry-agnostic selection visualization

  • Consistent appearance across all object types

  • Configurable line color and thickness

  • Reduced visual complexity compared to mesh-based outlines

This selection mode complements the existing selection behaviors without replacing them.

 

Differences compared to geometry-based selection

Bounding box–based selection feedback differs from traditional geometry-based selection in several ways. This distinction helps standardize the selection experience across the entire project.
 

         
  Bounding box–based selection   Geometry-based selection (standard mode)  
  ✓

Uses a simple box (parallelepiped) outline

   ❌

Outlines the actual mesh of the object

  
  ✓ Ignores geometric complexity   ❌ Can produce complex or noisy visuals on detailed geometry  
  ✓ Produces the same visual feedback for primitives and imported objects   ❌ Appearance varies depending on object shape and topology  
  ✓ Improves readability when selecting overlapping or detailed elements        
             

 

Benefits and intended use cases

The bounding box selection mode is designed to improve clarity and consistency when working in complex 3D environments. By relying on a simplified, geometry-independent outline, it makes object selection easier to read in scenarios such as highly detailed designs, dense scenes with many overlapping elements, or projects that include imported geometry with varying mesh quality. This approach helps users quickly identify selected objects without being distracted by complex contours.

Main benefits include:

  • clearer and more immediate object recognition, with a consistent interaction model across all object types

  • cleaner visual feedback with reduced rendering overhead, which can improve performance in demanding scenes

 

How it works

When the bounding box selection mode is active:

  • Selecting an object displays an outline corresponding to its bounding box

  • The outline is rendered independently of the object’s mesh or surface detail

  • The box edges are displayed as continuous lines

  • The feedback remains clear even for complex or imported geometries

The bounding box is calculated from the object’s overall dimensions, ensuring a predictable and uniform selection indicator.

 

Snap points behavior:

  • Visible in standard selection mode

  • Configurable when using the bounding box mode

 

Tips for best use

  • Use bounding box selection when working with imported or highly detailed models

  • Combine this mode with simplified visual settings to improve scene readability

  • Keep line thickness moderate to avoid visual clutter in dense scenes

This selection mode is intended to enhance clarity and consistency while preserving compatibility with existing workflows.

 

Technical requirements

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