The process of purging in AutoCAD can be a useful tool to optimize your drawing files and remove any unnecessary data. By purging, you can eliminate unused blocks, layers, linetypes, and other objects that may clutter your drawing and increase its file size. In this tutorial, we will explore how to purge in AutoCAD using simple steps.
Step 1: Accessing the Purge Dialog Box
To begin purging your drawing, you need to access the Purge dialog box. You can do this by typing “PURGE” in the command line or by navigating through the Ribbon. Here’s how:
Method 1:
– Type “PURGE” in the command line.
– Press Enter.
Method 2:
– Go to the “Application” menu (the red Autodesk icon at the top left corner of your screen).
– From the drop-down menu, select “Drawing Utilities.”
– Then click on “Purge.”
Step 2: Selecting Items to Purge
Once you have opened the Purge dialog box, you will see a list of items that can be purged from your drawing. This list includes unused blocks, layers, linetypes, dimension styles, text styles, and more.
- Selecting specific items:
- Selecting all items:
- Purging nested items:
To select specific items for purging, simply check the box next to each item you want to remove.
If you want to purge all unused items at once, you can click on the “Purge All” button. This will automatically select all items in the list.
In some cases, certain objects may contain nested objects that are also not used in your drawing. To purge these nested items as well, tick the “Nested Items” checkbox at the bottom of the dialog box.
Step 3: Purging the Selected Items
After selecting the items you want to purge, click on the “Purge” button at the bottom of the dialog box. AutoCAD will then remove all the selected items from your drawing, freeing up space and reducing file size.
Step 4: Confirming Purge Results
Once the purge process is complete, AutoCAD will display a summary of the purged items and their respective quantities. This summary provides valuable information, allowing you to verify that the desired elements have been successfully purged.
Tips for Efficient Purging
To optimize your purging process and ensure efficient results, consider these additional tips:
Purge Regularly:
Make it a habit to periodically purge your drawing files. Regular purging helps maintain optimal file performance and prevents unnecessary bloating.
Save a Backup:
Before purging your drawing, it’s always recommended to save a backup copy, just in case you accidentally remove any important elements.
Purge before Sharing:
If you plan to share your drawing with others or send it for printing, it’s essential to purge it first. This ensures that only necessary data is included in the final file.
By following these steps and incorporating regular purging into your AutoCAD workflow, you can efficiently manage and optimize your drawing files.