Selecting Atoms

Maestro has powerful tools for selecting atoms in the Workspace. These tools allow you to select atoms directly in the Workspace, select predefined or custom sets of atoms, select atoms by a combination of criteria, modify the selection, and store the selection for later use. The principal tools are found on the Selection toolbar

and on the Select menu. Many panels have selection tools to support their function. Selection can also be done from the Structure Hierarchy.

Selection can be done by picking atoms in the Workspace, by using shortcuts on the Selection toolbar or the menus, or by setting up complex expressions using Maestro's Atom Specification Language. You can add to, remove from, or replace the selection.

The selected atoms are marked in the Workspace. If the selection includes atoms that are not displayed, markers are shown at the locations of these atoms as well as the displayed atoms.

Selecting atoms is usually the first step in performing an action in the Workspace. Once you have selected some atoms, you can apply the desired actions to those atoms. The selection is also available in the Structure Hierarchy, where you can quickly perform styling actions.

The topics listed below give a comprehensive and detailed description of atom selection.