How to Activate Delete Key in AutoCAD?

Troubleshooting the Delete Key in AutoCAD

If the delete key in AutoCAD is unresponsive, various factors may be at play. Here’s a structured approach to diagnosing and activating the delete function effectively.

Step 1: Check Keyboard Connections

Begin by ensuring that your keyboard is properly connected to your computer. If you are using a USB keyboard, disconnect it and then reconnect it. For wireless keyboards, check the battery level and connection status.

Step 2: Verify AutoCAD Noun-Verb Selection

Sometimes, the selection mode settings might affect how commands, including delete, work. Open AutoCAD and follow these steps:

1. Type PICKFIRST in the command line.
2. Press ENTER.
3. Set the value to 1 to enable noun-verb selection.

This change ensures that object selection precedes command execution.

Step 3: Confirm the Function Lock Key

Many keyboards feature a Function Lock (F-Lock) key that may accidentally be turned off. To check:

1. Locate the F-Lock key on your keyboard, usually near the top row.
2. Press it to toggle the function; try using the delete key afterward.

If the F-Lock functionality is managed through an alternate key combination, such as the Fn key paired with Esc, use that combination to activate it.

Step 4: Ensure Active Layer and Object Visibility

Another reason the delete command may not function is related to object selection and layer settings:

1. Make sure that the objects you want to delete are not on a locked layer. If they are, unlock the layer through the Layer Properties Manager.
2. Check if the objects are positioned within viewports or layouts; ensure the correct viewport is active for selection.

Step 5: Utilize the OVERKILL Command

For deleting multiple overlapping entities:

1. Use CTRL + A to select all objects within your drawing.
2. Input OVERKILL into the command line.
3. Confirm adjustments in the dialog that appears to delete duplicate or overlapping objects.

Step 6: Return Deleted Objects with OOPS

If you mistakenly delete an object, the OOPS command can restore it:

1. Type OOPS in the command prompt and press ENTER.
2. This command reinstates the last erased object, helpful for one-time restorations.

Additional Functions and Keys

F8 Key
The F8 key enables Ortho mode, ensuring cursor movement is restricted to horizontal or vertical directions. If it’s not functioning, consider pressing Fn along with F8 to toggle it.

Accessing Help Menu
AutoCAD comes with a robust help menu. To find more keyboard shortcuts or troubleshooting steps, you can press F1 to access helpful resources directly from the software.

FAQ

Q1: Why can’t I delete objects in a viewport?
When objects are located in a non-active viewport, you won’t be able to select or delete them until you click to activate that specific viewport.

Q2: What shortcut can I use to select multiple lines?
Hold down the Shift key while selecting to include additional lines; alternatively, check under the Options menu in the Selection tab if "Use shift to add selection" is configured correctly.

Q3: How can I reset AutoCAD settings?
Navigate to the AutoCAD menu, select Preferences, click on the Application tab, and then choose Reset Application Options. Confirm your choice to reset all settings back to default.