AutoCAD FAQ

The PICKFIRST variable controls whether objects may be selected before, or before and after a command is invoked. This affects all commands requiring objects to be selected: MOVE, COPY etc.

The settings for PICKFIRST are:

0 - Turns OFF PICKFIRST. Select objects after a command is invoked.
1 - Turns ON PICKFIRST. Select objects before or after a command is invoked.

A reasonable explanation for PICKFIRST continually resetting to 0 is:

• Poor lisp programming. A lisp routine has been created which requires PICKFIRST to be changed in order for the lisp routine to work, but PICKFIRST has not then been reset to its original setting at the end of that lisp routine.
• An Error Handler has not been included in the lisp routine. An Error Handler should be included in every lisp routine so that any variables or settings changed by the lisp routine will be reset to their original values should the user exit the routine by hitting the ESC key.

Either way, PICKFIRST remains set as it was altered to during the lisp routine. There are two ways to reset PICKFIRST to 1:

• Type PICKFIRST at the command line and set it to 1.
• Go to the menu ToolsOptionsSelectionSelection ModesNoun/Verb check box. If checked, PICKFIRST is set to 1.