Selecting a Block of text

Regardless of the new framework features – copy and paste is still one of my favorites. One of my favorite tricks is selecting a block of text. By default normal text selection is line by line. For example it’s not possible to select just the items to the right of the equals sign.

 

However, Visual Studio does offer this ability using block selection. Block selection is sued to select text in a block as opposed to line by line. Essentially allowing you to select text regardless of what line you are on. For example, select the <ALT> key while selecting text to do the following.

Block selection can be used with both the keyboard and mouse. When using the keyboard hold down the <ALT> + <SHIFT> and use the arrow keys to perform the block selection.