AutoCAD

How to Remove Rectangle in AutoCAD?

Understanding the Erase Command in AutoCAD

To remove a rectangle from your drawing in AutoCAD, the main tool you will utilize is the Erase command. This command allows you to eliminate objects quickly and efficiently from your workspace.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting a Rectangle

Follow the steps below to successfully delete a rectangle in AutoCAD:

  1. Access the Home Tab: Navigate to the Home tab located at the top of the interface.
  2. Select the Modify Panel: Within the Home tab, find and click on the Modify panel. Here, you will see the Erase option.
  3. Initiate the Erase Command: Click on the Erase button, which can also be activated by typing “ERASE” in the command line.
  4. Select the Rectangle: Following the prompt, click on the rectangle you wish to delete. You can also use selection methods such as window selection (clicking and dragging) for multiple objects.
  5. Finalize the Deletion: Hit the Enter key to confirm your selection and execute the command. This will remove the selected rectangle from your drawing.

Alternative Methods to Delete Objects

If you find yourself needing to remove a recently drawn rectangle or an entire set of objects, there are different approaches:

  1. Last Object Erasure: Type “L” at the Select Objects prompt to remove the last object you drew.
  2. Previous Selection Removal: Enter “P” to erase the last selection set if you selected multiple items.
  3. Use the Undo Command: If you’ve made a mistake, you can always undo the last action by typing “UNDO” or pressing the designated shortcut keys.

Trimming Instead of Erasing

For situations where you want to delete only one side of a rectangle or part of an object, use the Trim command:

  1. Activate Trim: Access the Modify panel and select the Trim option or type “TRIM” in the command line.
  2. Select the Rectangle:** Choose the entire rectangle and press Enter to confirm your selection.
  3. Trim the Desired Side: Click on the line segment you wish to delete. This will remove only that particular section, maintaining the rest of the rectangle.

Removing Specific Elements Like Dimensions

To delete dimensions or other specific elements from your AutoCAD drawing, follow these steps:

  1. Select the Dimensions: Click on the dimension(s) that you want to remove. You can use Ctrl + Click to select multiple dimensions at once.
  2. Use the Right-Click Menu: After selecting, right-click and choose “Delete” from the context menu.
  3. Confirm Removal: Alternatively, you can navigate to the Annotate tab and click on the Delete option to remove the selected dimensions.

FAQs

How do I recover an object after deleting it in AutoCAD?

To recover an object that you have just deleted, type “OOPS” in the command line. This command restores the last erased object for a quick recovery.

Can I delete multiple objects at once?

Yes, you can delete multiple objects simultaneously by using a selection method, such as clicking and dragging to form a window around all desired items before pressing Enter.

What do I do if the Erase command is not working?

If the Erase command is not functioning properly, check if your objects are locked or if you are working on a locked layer, as this can prevent deletions. Ensure the layer is unlocked and try again.

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.