A simple way to select several components at a time is by using the Lasso tool.

Follow these steps:

1. On the 2D view toolbar, click the lasso button.
2. Move the mouse pointer to the drawing area. Now you have two options:
   
   
   • Click and hold the mouse button and move the mouse pointer through the components you wish to select. The lasso line is dashed and the Select Mode in the property box is set to Partial:
     
   • Click and hold the mouse button and move the mouse pointer around the group of components you wish to select. The lasso line is solid and the Select Mode in the property box is set to Enclosed:
     
     
3. Releasing the mouse button will display a yellow or purple frame around the selected objects. At this stage, while the select lasso tool is still active, you can add or remove individual objects to/from the selection with Ctrl + left click.
4. If you used the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + middle mouse button / scroll wheel, the select lasso disappears immediately. Otherwise, press the Esc key or move the cursor outside of the drawing area to release the select lasso.