How To Purge And Audit In AutoCAD?

A Comprehensive Guide on Purging and Auditing in AutoCAD

Understanding the Purpose of Auditing in AutoCAD

Auditing in AutoCAD is a crucial process intended to identify and correct errors within your drawing files. When executed, AutoCAD scans for problematic objects in the active workspace, compiling these errors into a selection set called the Previous selection set. If the AUDITCTL system variable is enabled (set to 1), the software will also generate a text file with an ADT file extension, detailing the issues found and the resolution steps taken.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Perform an Audit

1. Open Your Drawing: Start by loading the DWG file you wish to audit in AutoCAD.
2. Access the Audit Command: Type AUDIT in the command line and hit Enter. This initiates the audit process.
3. Review Errors: After the scan, any errors found will be flagged. You will have the option to fix these issues automatically.
4. Check the Audit Results: If AUDITCTL is set to 1, navigate to the specified location to review the generated ADT file for detailed insights.

The Role of the Purge Command in AutoCAD

The Purge command in AutoCAD is designed to streamline your drawing by removing unnecessary elements, such as unused block definitions, layers, dimension styles, and other named objects. This helps in decluttering your drawing environment and can significantly decrease file size.

Executing the Purge Command Step-by-Step

1. Open the Purge Dialog: Click on the Application button, navigate to Drawing Utilities, and select Purge to open the Purge dialog box.
2. Select Items to Purge: In the dialog box, you may see a list of purgeable items. Choose the option for "Purgeable Items" if necessary.
3. Choose Unreferenced Layers: For unreferenced layers, you can either select all or expand the layer options to specify which layers you want to remove.
4. Confirm the Action: Click the Purge button to execute the removal of selected items. Be aware that this action cannot be undone.

Recovering Corrupted AutoCAD Files

If you encounter a corrupted DWG file, AutoCAD includes a ‘Recover’ option to attempt repair. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Corrupted File: Launch AutoCAD and load the corrupted drawing.
2. Navigate to Recovery Tools: Click on the AutoCAD icon in the Tools column and select Drawing Utilities followed by Recover.
3. Verify the Repair: After the recovery process, examine the repaired drawing for accuracy and integrity.

Reducing the Size of a DWG File

To minimize your DWG file size, follow these measures:

1. Detach Xrefs: Use the XREF command to detach any unnecessary external references.
2. Utilize the OVERKILL Command: Select all objects in the drawing and execute the OVERKILL command to eliminate duplicate and overlapping entities.
3. Purge Regapps: Enter the command -PURGE and select Regapps to remove registered applications that are no longer in use.
4. Comprehensive Purge: Finally, run the PURGE command and choose all applicable options to clear any remaining unused items.

Flattening an AutoCAD Drawing

Flattening is essential for simplifying complex drawings by converting objects to a single plane. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare Your Layers: Ensure that hatch patterns are either turned off or frozen.
2. Execute the FLATTEN Command: Type FLATTEN in the command prompt and select all objects you wish to flatten.
3. Confirm Hidden Lines Removal: When prompted about hidden lines, enter N for No to exclude them from the flattening process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What should I do if I can’t delete a layer in AutoCAD?
If a layer cannot be deleted, it may contain invisible objects or entities. You can attempt to merge it with another layer before trying to delete it again.

Q2: Why might my AutoCAD file be too large?
A large DWG file could result from corrupt data, or when data from incompatible DGN files is imported, leading to mapping issues. Regular auditing and purging can help manage file size.

Q3: How can I recover a lost AutoCAD file?
Open AutoCAD, navigate to Tools and select Options. Go to the “Files” tab, then review the location of the Automatic Save files. The default path is typically under C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Temp.