The Select By Graphics command allows you to select features (from all selectable layers) that intersect a selected graphic element.
To use this function, select one or more graphic elements with the Select Elements tool 
. The Select By Graphics command on the Selection menu will then be enabled.
Steps for using Select By Graphics
- If you do not already have graphics in your map, create them using the Draw toolbar.
- Select the graphics to be used for feature selection by clicking each graphic.
- Click Selection > Select By Graphics to select features that intersect your graphics. This will select features from the selectable layers using the graphics that you have highlighted.
Alternative method for selecting features using graphics
The Tools toolbar in ArcMap also contains an alternative tool for graphically selecting features 
. The Select Features tool works on a single graphic that you interactively digitize as part of the selection process. Also, this tool does not add a graphic to your map display.