How To Get Rid Of Unused Linetypes In AutoCAD?

Understanding Unused Linetypes in AutoCAD

Unused linetypes in your AutoCAD project can clutter your workspace and potentially cause confusion during drafting. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively remove these unnecessary linetypes from your drawings in AutoCAD.

Step 1: Open the Drawing with RECOVER

Start by restoring your drawing to ensure that any potential corruption or issues are resolved. Open AutoCAD and use the RECOVER command.

1. Type RECOVER in the command line and hit Enter.
2. Select the affected drawing file you wish to clean.

Step 2: Identify and Change Linetype Assignments

Most often, unusable linetypes can cause problems with layers or objects. To address this:

1. Open the Layer Properties Manager.
2. For any layers that utilize the problematic linetypes, change their linetype to a standard type (like Continuous).
3. Check the objects in your drawing and confirm that none are using these damaged linetypes.

Step 3: Purge Unused Elements

Next, clean up your drawing by purging any unused elements, including linetypes.

1. Type PURGE in the command line and press Enter.
2. When prompted, choose “All” to select everything available.
3. Confirm the prompt to remove all unused linetypes from your drawing.

Step 4: Save the Drawing in DXF Format

To further clear out any unwanted data, save your drawing in a different format:

1. Type SAVEAS into the command line.
2. Choose the DXF format from the drop-down menu, and select a file name.
3. Click Save to create the DXF file.

Step 5: Reopen the DXF File

After saving the drawing as a DXF, close AutoCAD and then reopen your newly created DXF file:

1. This process can help reset internal settings and refresh your drawing.
2. Open the DXF file and check the Layer Properties Manager to ensure unused linetypes are no longer listed.

Dealing with Common Line Visibility Issues

If you’re still experiencing line visibility issues after cleaning up, you may want to consider the following:

1. Set LINESMOOTHING to Off:

   • In the command line, type LINESMOOTHING and press Enter.
   • Enter 0 to disable it.
2. Check Graphics Configuration:
   • Use the GRAPHICSCONFIG command.
   • In the Graphics Performance window, uncheck “Smooth line display” if it is enabled.

FAQ

What should I do if I can’t find the linetypes I’m trying to remove?

Ensure that you have selected the right layers and objects. Use the Layer Properties Manager to look for any linetypes that might not be default ones. You may also use the -LTYPE command to list available linetypes in your drawing.

How often should I purge my AutoCAD files?

It’s a good practice to regularly purge your drawings, especially after significant edits or when you notice performance issues. This helps keep your drawings clean and efficient.

Can I recover a drawing without the RECOVER command?

Yes, if your drawing does not open correctly, you can try opening it normally to see if AutoCAD prompts you with recovery options. Alternatively, you can also use the AUDIT command to check for and fix errors.