If you have a large model, it is helpful to work with just a portion of the model data to apply loads, to speed up graphics displays, to review results selectively, and so on. Because all data reside in a database, you can conveniently select subsets of the data.

Selecting enables you to group subsets of nodes, elements, keypoints, lines, etc. so that you can work with just a handful of entities. The program uses a database to store all the data that you define during an analysis. The database design allows you to select only a portion of the data without destroying other data.

Typically, you perform selecting when applying loads. By selecting nodes on a surface, for example, you can conveniently apply a pressure on all nodes in the subset instead of applying it to each individual node.

Another useful feature of selecting is that you can select a subset of entities and name that subset. For example, you can select all elements that make up the fin portion of a heat exchanger model and call the resulting subset FIN. Such named subsets are called components. You can even group several components into an assembly.