How to Remove Unwanted Lines in AutoCAD 2017?

Understanding Unwanted Lines in AutoCAD

Unwanted lines in AutoCAD can create confusion and clutter in your drawings, making them difficult to read. Whether you’re dealing with stray construction lines or artifacts from previous edits, learning to efficiently remove these lines will enhance your workflow.

Step 1: Disable Smooth Line Display

The first step in removing unwanted lines is to make sure that the "Smooth Line Display" feature is turned off. Follow these steps:

1. Access the command line by clicking in the Command Window.
2. Type LINESMOOTHING and press Enter.
3. Set the value to Off or 0 to disable the feature.

Alternatively, you can disable this feature through the Graphics Performance settings:

1. Type GRAPHICSCONFIG and hit Enter.
2. In the dialog that appears, locate and uncheck the "Smooth line display" checkbox.
3. Apply the changes and click OK.

Step 2: Using the Trim Tool

If you have specific lines that need removal, the Trim tool is very effective:

1. Navigate to the Sketch tab on the ribbon.
2. Click on the Trim option.
3. Hover over the lines you want to remove and click on them to delete.

Step 3: Erasing Lines

If you prefer to erase multiple lines or objects, use the Erase command:

1. Click on the Home tab.
2. Go to the Modify panel and select Erase.
3. At the prompt asking you to "Select Objects", there are several options:
   • Click to select each unwanted line.
   • Type L and press Enter to remove the last object drawn.
   • Type P and hit Enter to erase your last selection set.
4. Press Enter to finalize the deletion.

Step 4: Adjusting View Settings

In some cases, incorrect viewing settings can cause unwanted lines to appear:

1. Type GRAPHICSCONFIG in the command line.
2. Disable "Hardware Acceleration", which can sometimes cause graphical issues that resemble unwanted lines.
3. Confirm changes and refresh your drawing to see if the unwanted lines persist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why do unwanted lines appear in my AutoCAD drawings?
A1: Unwanted lines can arise from smooth line display settings or may be remnants from editing previous objects. Graphic settings may also contribute to their appearance.

Q2: Can I recover lines I accidentally deleted?
A2: Yes, if you have not closed AutoCAD since the deletion, you can use the Undo command (Ctrl + Z) to restore the deleted lines.

Q3: Is there a way to avoid unwanted lines when creating new drawings?
A3: To minimize unwanted lines, regularly check your layer settings, avoid drawing on unnecessary layers, and maintain clean drafting practices to ensure your workspace remains clutter-free.