Tips and Tactics is an article series by DCS that offers handy advice on using CATIA V5 and 3DCS. This Tips & Tactics is great for learning how to quickly use the Selection Trap tool which can be handy when you need to select hard to reach points on your model.

1. CATIA V5 Selection Trap
There are multiple methods of selecting geometry in CATIA other than a
mouse click. If a point is covered or blocked by geometry, the following will
show you how to find the point and select it.
Can’t click the bottom of that hole for a hole
and pin?
Complex geometry making it difficult to
connect points and set up moves?

2. Dimensional Control Systems, Inc.
Selection Trap
In this Tips and Tactics, we will be covering the CATIA Selection Toolbar.
Those familiar with 3DCS Variation Analyst Multi-CAD may get frustrated when switching to 3DCS
Variation Analyst CAA V5 Based integrated in CATIA V5 as they attempt to select a point meshed with
other points and buried inside a part under other surfaces. This is a quick method of selecting such a
point quickly and easily.
Selection Trap above Geometry
This option on the Selection Toolbar will allow the user to select the point while being zoomed in to the
assembly to see the point and without selecting unwanted geometry.
Use Selection Trap to get a hold
of those hard to reach points

3. Dimensional Control Systems, Inc.
Selection Trap
Using the Selection Trap
The Selection Trap function is located on the Selection Toolbar. The Selection Toolbar is
located near the Compass in CATIA.
Use the [xx] icon to activate Selection Trap Above Geometry. While a CATIA function, it can
also be used while selecting Point(s) in a 3DCS Move, Tolerance or Measure.
Some tips here to make it easier:
1. You can double-click the icon to keep from exiting your Point Selection option.
2. Remember that You can pull the toolbar out to keep it handy so as to quickly select
Selection Trap Above Geometry. This is especially useful when applying effects to
multiple points.
Use that one

4. Dimensional Control Systems, Inc.
Selection Trap
Different Kinds of Selection Traps
There are a number of different kinds of Selection Traps, depending on your
requirements.
Default: basic rectangular selection trap and above geometry
Intersect selection trap: basic rectangular selection trap and above
geometry, also grabbing elements it intersects
Polygon selection trap: create reference points in space to create a
polygon selection trap, this selection trap is already above geometry
Note: when moving the geometry, the polygon doesn’t reset or follow the
geometry
Free Hand selection trap: drag a line, circle, polygon or other to create a
selection trap, above geometry
Outside and intersecting selection trap: anything Outside the selection
trap rectangle, or intersecting, above geometry