In this paper, a selective activation strategy of cohesive elements using user subroutine UMPC was studied as an efficient solution for the added compliance problem in cohesive zone model crack propagation analyses. The cohesive elements were inserted between every bulk elements in region where cracks were expected to initiate and propagate, but initially not activated by tying the cohesive nodes using multi-point constraints. During analyses, the cohesive elements for which specified criterion was met were selectively activated by releasing the constraints. The effect of initial cohesive stiffness and the release criterion on the crack propagation behavior was carefully investigated.