AutoCAD

How to Delete a File in AutoCAD?

Understanding File Management in AutoCAD

Key Steps to Remove Recent Files in AutoCAD

Removing recent files from AutoCAD can help streamline your workspace. Here’s how:

  1. Access the Options Dialog: Type OPTIONS in the command line and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to the Open and Save Tab: Once the Options dialog opens, click on the section labeled "Open and Save."

  3. Adjust Recent Files Settings:

    • Look for "File Open > Number of recently-used files" and set this value to 0.
    • Also, locate "Application Menu > Number of recently-used files" and change this to 0 as well.
  4. Save Your Changes: Click the Apply button followed by OK to confirm your adjustments.

Deleting an Image from Your Drawing

When working with images in AutoCAD, you might find the need to delete them from your drawing. Follow these steps:

  1. Select the Image: Click on the image that you wish to remove from your drawing area.

  2. Erase the Image: Go to the Modify panel under the Home tab and click on the Erase tool. Select the image again if prompted.

  3. Detaching the Image (if necessary): If this was the only instance of the image in your drawing, you may need to detach it. Follow the prompts that appear.

Managing BAK Files in AutoCAD

Backup files, or .BAK files, are created during the saving process. If you’re looking to delete these files:

  1. Understand BAK File Usage: BAK files are automatically generated when you save a drawing. They act as a safeguard against potential data loss.

  2. Deletion Process: You have the option to delete these files without immediate risks to your existing DWG files, provided you are confident these files are intact.

  3. Safety Tip: If unsure about deletion, consider moving them to a temporary folder so you can monitor your AutoCAD projects for any issues over time.

Erasing Command Line Inputs

If you want to clear previous commands from the command line, here’s a straightforward method:

  1. Use the Escape Key: Simply press the Esc key to clear the current input.

  2. Shift to a New Line: Alternatively, press Ctrl+C to start a new blank line while keeping the visibility of previous commands intact.

Modifying Viewport Borders

In AutoCAD, you may want to remove viewport borders to enhance your drawings. Follow these steps:

  1. Access the Layout: Switch to your desired layout view.

  2. Input Command: Type mview into the command line and hit Enter.

  3. Turn Off the Viewport: When prompted, input off, select the viewport you want to hide, and press Enter again to complete the action.

Changing the Command Prompt’s Visibility

Adjust the number of command prompt lines visible for better user experience:

  1. Open Customization Options: Click on the Customize button near the prompt area.

  2. Set Display Rows: Specify how many rows (from 0 to 50) you want to display for your command history.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I recover deleted images in AutoCAD?
    Once you delete an image using the erase function, it cannot be directly recovered. Ensure that you have a backup of your images if recovery is necessary.

  2. What happens to BAK files if I don’t delete them?
    BAK files remain in your project folder until you manually delete them. They serve as backups, useful in case you might need to revert to an earlier saved state.

  3. Can I change the command line color in AutoCAD?
    Yes, you can customize the color and appearance of the command line interface through the Options dialog under the Display tab. Adjust the settings to suit your preferences.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.