AutoCAD

How To Delete A Block In AutoCAD 2019?

Understanding Block Deletion in AutoCAD 2019

Deleting a block in AutoCAD can often be necessary for maintaining an organized and efficient drawing environment. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to effectively delete a block in AutoCAD 2019.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting a Block in AutoCAD 2019

Step 1: Open the Purge Command

Start by activating the Purge command. You can do this by typing PURGE into the command line and pressing Enter. This command allows users to remove unneeded objects, including blocks, from the drawing.

Step 2: Select Purging Options

Once the Purge dialog box appears, you will see a list of available objects that can be purged, such as blocks, layers, and dimension styles. For blocks:

  • Choose the option to include nested items, if necessary, by selecting "Purge Nested Items."
  • This ensures that even blocks within blocks will be considered for deletion.

Step 3: Choose Specific Blocks or Purge All

In the dialog:

  • You can either scroll through the block list to find specific blocks or use the * symbol to select all blocks available for purging.
  • After making your selection, confirm if you want to remove them completely from your project.

Step 4: Confirm Deletion

As you select blocks to purge, AutoCAD may prompt you to confirm the deletion of each selected block. Acknowledge these prompts to successfully purge the unwanted blocks.

Step 5: Use Command-Line Options for Additional Control

If you prefer using the command line for more specific commands:

  • You can also erase blocks directly from the drawing area by using the ERASE command. Activate this command, then select the block(s) you wish to delete, followed by pressing Enter to execute the deletion.

Removing Objects from Within Blocks

If you wish to remove certain objects from within a block rather than deleting the entire block:

  1. Right-click the block and choose the option labeled ‘Edit Block In-Place.’
  2. Select the objects you want to remove from the block.
  3. After making the desired modifications, confirm the changes by clicking the ‘Save Block Definition’ option.

Clearing Unused Blocks from the Drawing

Sometimes, cleaning up unused blocks can enhance the performance of your drawing:

  1. Utilize the Purge command as instructed above to eliminate unused block definitions.
  2. Focus on blocks that are no longer referenced in your current drawing; this minimizes clutter and resource use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I identify which blocks can be deleted?
You can review the blocks in the Purge dialog box, where AutoCAD lists all the blocks currently defined in your drawing. Unused or unreferenced blocks are typically safe to delete.

Is it possible to undo a block deletion?
If you have just deleted a block and wish to restore it, you can use the Undo command (CTRL + Z). However, if you’ve purged the block, recovering it may require re-adding it to the drawing if you have another source.

Can I delete multiple blocks at once?
Yes, you can delete multiple blocks simultaneously using the Purge command or by selecting them together when using the ERASE command. Just ensure to verify the selection before confirming the deletion.

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.