"Box" selection of parts in editor and in flight when it makes sense

[darthgently]

Being able to select a group of items by click-dragging a selection box around the parts is very common in modeling software, CAD, etc.  It would be great to be able to do this in the KSP2 editor for copy and other operations.  With this functionality one could replicate a group of parts without detaching lower sections for example.  In flight, one could turn on a cluster of radiators without turning on all radiators, or powering them up one by one or select a group of tanks in prep for a fuel transfer.  One could select a target in orbit that is in view without having to double click on a tiny dot on the screen; merely capture it in a generous, easily dragged box.  The selection would be followed by a keystroke or popup in the case where multiple options were possible

Edited December 21, 2021 by darthgently

[The Aziz]

Draggable box comes with some problems. Does it select parts that are hidden behind visible ones or not? If not, then I need to rotate the view and add to selection. If yes, there's a risk that I may select too much by accident. It is a rectangle, so sometimes selecting correct parts may take few attempts and quite possible require changing camera angles, especially if we're talking about complex structures.

I prefer mod+click, it may be slower but at least I know exactly what is selected.

[darthgently]

4 hours ago, The Aziz said:

Draggable box comes with some problems. Does it select parts that are hidden behind visible ones or not? If not, then I need to rotate the view and add to selection. If yes, there's a risk that I may select too much by accident. It is a rectangle, so sometimes selecting correct parts may take few attempts and quite possible require changing camera angles, especially if we're talking about complex structures.

I prefer mod+click, it may be slower but at least I know exactly what is selected.

Why would it replace mod+click?  I assumed they'd both be there.  Ask anyone who uses a 3d design/cad/modeling program that has select boxes, they work great once you get the idea.  You obviously wouldn't use it in situation where it wouldn't work well, but something tells me that you would be surprised at how often it is easy to just select what you want.  But you bring up an excellent idea on its own:  being able to add/subtract from a select whether via mod+click or otherwise.  Is there a way to do this with mod+click?  I'd love that.