How to Delete Proxy Objects in AutoCAD?

Understanding Proxy Objects in AutoCAD

Proxy objects are placeholders for custom entities created by applications not currently available in AutoCAD. When you work with drawings that contain these custom entities, they may not appear correctly if the corresponding application is absent. Instead, you see proxy objects, which can lead to confusion during the design process.

Disabling Notifications for Proxy Objects

To avoid continuous notifications about proxy objects, adjust the system variable PROXYNOTICE:

1. Open AutoCAD and access the command line.
2. Type PROXYNOTICE and hit Enter.
3. Set the value to 0 to disable notifications related to proxy objects.

This action won’t remove the proxy objects but will help keep your workspace clearer.

Methods to Remove Proxy Entities

If you want to completely eliminate proxy entities from your drawing, follow these steps:

1. Install the Appropriate Object Enabler:

   • Identify and download the Object Enabler specific to the AutoCAD-based product that created the original drawing.

2. Use the -EXPORTTOAUTOCAD Command:

   • Access the command line and type -EXPORTTOAUTOCAD.
   • Select the version of AutoCAD compatible with the AEC objects in your drawing.
3. Utilize the WBLOCK Command:
   • To export only the essential drawing elements, type WBLOCK.
   • Choose "Entire Drawing" from the options presented.

This method ensures that proxy entities are eliminated and the drawing contains standard AutoCAD objects only.

Adjusting Proxy Graphics in AutoCAD

If you want to manage how proxy graphics are displayed:

1. Prepare your drawing to show the specific view where you want proxy graphics.
2. At the command prompt, enter PROXYGRAPHICS.
3. Set the value to 1 to enable the display of proxy graphics.
4. Save your drawing afterward.

To turn off the display, repeat the process, entering 0 instead of 1.

What is the Role of an Object Enabler?

Object Enablers are tools that allow users to access and manipulate objects specific to other Autodesk products within AutoCAD. For instance, if working with a drawing created in AutoCAD Civil 3D, the corresponding Civil 3D Object Enabler enables visibility and interaction with specialized objects without needing the full application.

Managing Proxy Objects Effectively

To manage proxy objects efficiently in your workflow:

1. Open Proxy Information Dialog:

   • Type OP in the command line and press Enter.
   • Navigate to the "Open and Save" tab in the Options dialog box.
   • Check the option to display the Proxy Information dialog box whenever you open a drawing.
2. Using the AEC Export Command:
   • You can refine your work by creating a version of AEC files that can be opened within standard AutoCAD. This is achieved through the -EXPORTTOAUTOCAD command, ensuring that proxy AEC objects are transformed into basic AutoCAD entities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I check if proxy objects are present in my drawing?
You can identify proxy objects by checking for notifications when opening the drawing, or by using the command PROXY in the command line, which displays all proxy entities in the current drawing.

2. Will removing proxy objects affect my drawing?
Yes, if you remove proxy objects without the appropriate Object Enabler, you may lose associated data or functionality that those objects provide. Always ensure you have a backup before making these changes.

3. Can I convert proxy objects back to custom objects?
If the original application that created the custom objects is installed, accessing those objects through the Object Enabler should allow you to revert proxy objects back to their original form.