How To Delete Objects In AutoCAD?

Understanding the Erase Command in AutoCAD

The Erase command in AutoCAD is essential for managing your drawing by removing selected objects. Unlike traditional deletion methods that might send items to the Clipboard for potential use later, erasing objects means they are permanently removed from your workspace. The command can also handle 3D elements, allowing users to delete specific subcomponents like faces, meshes, and vertices.

Steps to Delete Multiple Objects

1. Access the Modify Tools: Go to the Home tab, then find the Modify panel.
2. Select the Delete Function: Click on "Delete Duplicate Objects" (if applicable).
3. Select Objects: When prompted, choose your selection method (such as window or crossing).
4. Confirm Your Selection: Press Enter to proceed.
5. Set Tolerance: Optionally, specify a Tolerance value if you need to adjust properties during comparison.

Removing Objects from a Specific Layer

1. Open the Command Line: Type LAYDEL and hit Enter.
2. Choose Layer Options: Enter the letter ‘N’ to select layers by name.
3. Select the Desired Layer: Highlight the layer you wish to delete.
4. Confirm Deletion: Click ‘OK’ to remove the layer and its contents, if necessary.

Erasing Shapefiles in AutoCAD

Currently, to delete a shapefile in AutoCAD, you need to use the MAPWSPACE data window.

1. Open the MAPWSPACE Window: Ensure you are in the correct workspace.
2. Select the Shapefile: Identify the shapefile you intend to remove.
3. Disconnect the Shapefile: This might require a few attempts, as the software can resist deletions.
4. Delete the Shapefile: Once disconnected, select it again and carry out the deletion.

Commands for Full Drawing Erasure

To completely erase the drawing from the interface, utilize the CS command. This ensures a clean workspace without displaying any prior entities.

Restoring Erased Objects

If you have deleted objects but need them back, you can use the OOPS command:

1. Enter Command: Type OOPS at the command prompt.
2. Restore Items: This command permits one-time retrieval of items erased, including those lost via Wblock and similar commands.

Deleting Duplicate Lines

To remove overlapping lines, the OVERKILL command is particularly effective.

1. Select All Lines: Use CTRL+A to highlight everything in your drawing.
2. Invoke Overkill: Type OVERKILL in the command line and press Enter.
3. Adjust Settings: Review the Delete Duplicate Objects dialog and confirm your settings, usually leaving defaults for most cases.

Eliminating Unwanted Lines

For unnecessary lines that may clutter your design:

1. Adjust Line Smoothing: Enter LINESMOOTHING in the command line and set it to Off (0).
2. Change Graphics Settings: Use GRAPHICSCONFIG to disable the “Smooth line display” option.
3. Disable Hardware Acceleration: Completely turn it off to prevent the display of unwanted linework.

Deleting Multiple Layers

Follow these steps to delete multiple layers efficiently:

1. Open Layers Manager: Click on the Layers Property Manager in the Layers toolbar.
2. Select All Layers: Highlight any layer name and press Ctrl+A.
3. Delete Layers: Click the Delete Layer button or press Alt+Del, then confirm your actions.

Removing Hidden Objects

To remove invisible objects:

1. Use the ERASE Command: Invoke the command and enter the “All” option at the selection prompt.
2. Visual Selection: Utilize the crossing window to keep only the visible entities.
3. Execute Deletion: Finalize by carrying out the erase command.

Managing Empty Layers

To remove empty layers in a drawing:

1. Open the Layers Property Manager: Access through the Layers toolbar.
2. Select Layers: Highlight a layer name and press Ctrl+A to select all.
3. Delete Empty Layers: Click the Delete Layer button or press Alt+Del and confirm.

Deleting SHX Files from the Drawing

Removing references to missing SHX files can be challenging:

1. Identify References: Review all objects and linetypes linked to the missing SHX.
2. Change Linetype Assignments: Swap out any problematic linetypes.
3. Purge References: Once all linked objects are removed, you can proceed to purge the missing SHX reference from the drawing.

Turning Off SHX Text in AutoCAD

To prevent SHX text from being converted to comments:

1. Access the Run Window: Press WINDOWS-R on the keyboard.
2. Open Registry Editor: Type REGEDIT and press OK.
3. Adjust Default Value: Change the ‘(Default)’ value from 1 to 0.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of the OVERKILL command?
   The OVERKILL command helps delete overlapping lines and clean up drawings by removing redundant objects.

2. How can I restore objects after they have been erased?
   You can use the OOPS command immediately after deleting objects to restore them.

3. Is it possible to delete layers that contain objects?
   Yes, you must remove all objects from a layer before you can delete that layer itself in AutoCAD.