The Purge command in AutoCAD is a powerful tool that allows you to remove unnecessary and unused elements from your drawing file. It helps optimize the file size, improves performance, and reduces the chances of errors or corruption.
Why use the Purge command?
Over time, as you work on your AutoCAD drawing, it can accumulate various unused objects such as layers, blocks, linetypes, text styles, dimension styles, and more. These objects can occupy unnecessary space in your drawing file and slow down its performance.
By utilizing the Purge command, you can identify and remove these unused objects from your drawing. This not only reduces the file size but also eliminates any potential conflicts or errors caused by those unused elements.
How to access the Purge command?
To access the Purge command in AutoCAD, you can follow these steps:
Option 1: Ribbon Panel
1. Open AutoCAD. 2. Look for the Ribbon located at the top of the interface. 3.
Navigate to the Manage tab. 4. In the Cleanup Utilities panel, you will find the Purge button. 5. Click on it to open the Purge dialog box.
Option 2: Command Line
1.
Locate the Command Line at the bottom of the interface. Type “Purge” and press Enter key.
The Purge dialog box:
When you access the Purge command through either method mentioned above, a dialog box will appear with a list of purgeable items such as blocks, layers, linetypes, dimension styles, etc.
Here’s how you can use this dialog box:
1. Select Items to Purge: In this section, you will find a list of purgeable items that are present in your drawing file. You can select the items you want to purge by checking the box next to each item.
2. Purgeable Unused Named Objects: This checkbox allows you to remove any named objects that are not being used in your drawing. For example, if you have a block definition that is not inserted anywhere in the drawing, checking this option will remove it.
3. Purge All: By checking this option, you can select all items for purging with a single click.
4. Purge Checked Items: Once you have selected the items you want to purge, click on this button to remove them from your drawing file.
5. Close: After purging the selected items, click on this button to close the dialog box.
Tips for using the Purge command effectively:
– It is recommended to make a backup copy of your drawing file before using the Purge command. – Take some time to review each item in the Purge dialog box carefully before purging them.
Ensure that you are not removing any important or required elements. – Regularly use the Purge command to keep your drawing files optimized and efficient. – Use layer filters and other selection tools in AutoCAD to identify specific elements for purging.
In conclusion, the Purge command in AutoCAD is an essential tool for maintaining clean and optimized drawing files. By removing unused objects from your drawings, you can enhance performance, reduce file size, and prevent potential errors or conflicts. Remember to use it wisely and regularly as part of your AutoCAD workflow!