Layer Selector¶

Interactive object selection tool for overlapping objects with cursor-based detection

What is it?¶

Layer Selector is an interactive selection tool that displays a list of objects under the cursor, allowing you to select objects that might be hidden behind others. This tool is essential for complex scenes where objects overlap, making direct selection difficult or impossible.

Access and Shortcuts¶

Pie Menu: Edit/Drawing section → "Layer Selector"
Operator: damtools.layer_selector
Requirements: Object mode with overlapping objects
Modal Keys:
Mouse Move: Update object list under cursor
Wheel Up/Down: Navigate through object list
Up/Down Arrow: Alternative navigation through list
LMB/Enter: Select highlighted object
MMB: Pan/orbit view (pass-through)
Esc/RMB: Cancel and restore original selection

Workflow¶

Activate Layer Selector from the pie menu
Move cursor over area with overlapping objects
Interactive list appears showing objects under cursor
Use mouse wheel or arrow keys to navigate through list
Objects highlight as you navigate for visual feedback
Click or press Enter to select highlighted object
Press Esc or Right-click to cancel and restore selection

Cursor-based object detection with interactive selection list and visual highlighting

Parameters¶

Detection System: - Real-time object detection under cursor position - Distance-based sorting from camera - Maximum 10 objects visible in list at once - Scroll through all detected objects

Visual Feedback: - Interactive list display with object names - Real-time object highlighting during navigation - Visual indicators for more objects above/below visible range

Selection Behavior: - Maintains original selection when canceled - Updates selection immediately upon confirmation - Works only in Object mode

Tips¶

Objects are sorted by distance from camera for logical ordering
Perfect for dense scenes with many overlapping objects
Mouse wheel provides quick navigation through object stack
Visual highlighting helps identify objects before selection
Great for architectural scenes with many elements
Essential for selecting objects inside other objects
Works well with complex mechanical assemblies

Suggested Images¶

Complex scene with overlapping objects
Layer Selector list showing multiple objects under cursor
Before/after selection showing hard-to-reach object
Visual highlighting demonstration during navigation

Known Limitations¶

Works only in Object mode
Limited to 10 objects visible in list simultaneously
Requires objects to be under cursor position
Performance may vary with very complex scenes