FilterSelect

Created: July 27, 2015 | Updated: April 11, 2017 | Applies to versions: 15.1, 16.0, 16.1, 17.0 and 17.1

The following pre-packaged resource, derived from this base command, is available:

Applied Parameters: None

Summary

This command is used to apply a filter to the current document, using either a directly typed query expression, or one that exists in the query History list.

Access

This feature can be accessed from the PCB Editor, and PCB Library Editor, by right-clicking in the design workspace and using the Filter » Filter For field, on the context menu.

In the PCB Editor, this feature can also be accessed by using the Select Filter field, on the Filter toolbar.

Accessing the Filter Select feature from the Filter toolbar in the PCB Editor.

Use

Enter the query expression for the filter you wish to apply and press Enter, or choose an existing filter query expression from the drop-down list. The drop-down list contains all filter query expressions that currently exist in the query History list - on the History tab of the Expression Manager dialog. After entering/choosing a filter query expression, it will be applied to the design and all design objects that fall under the scope of the filter will be zoomed and centered (where applicable) in the main design window. Masking will also be applied, whereby the filtered objects will remain fully visible (selectable and editable), with all other design objects becoming dimmed (non-selectable and non-editable).

Tips

As you enter/choose a different query expression for the filter, the existing filter will be automatically cleared. You can manually clear an existing (and applied) filter at any time by clicking on the Clear button at the bottom-right corner of the main design window (or by clicking the relevant entry on the Filter toolbar or sub-menu).
The extent of masking applied when filtering can be manually adjusted using the Mask Control (Background Objects Factor) slider bar, accessed by clicking the Mask Level button at the bottom-right of the main design window.
For a far more powerful tool for use in finding the design objects you seek, use the PCB Filter panel (PCB Editor), or PCBLIB Filter panel (PCB Library Editor), respectively.