What Is Erase Command in AutoCAD?
The Erase command in AutoCAD is an essential tool that allows you to remove unwanted objects or entities from your drawing. It is a powerful feature that helps you clean up your design and enhance its clarity. In this tutorial, we will explore how to use the Erase command effectively and efficiently.
Using the Erase Command
To access the Erase command, you can either click on the Erase icon in the toolbar or type ERASE in the command line and press Enter. Once activated, you can select the objects you want to delete by clicking on them individually or by using a window or crossing selection.
Selecting Objects for Deletion
AutoCAD provides various ways to select objects for deletion with the Erase command. Let’s take a look at each of them:
- Selecting Individual Objects: To delete specific objects one at a time, simply click on them with your mouse.
- Window Selection: To delete multiple objects within a defined rectangular area, use the Window option. Click and drag your cursor from left to right to create a selection window.
- Crossing Selection: If you want to delete objects that fall within or intersect with a defined rectangular area, use the Crossing option. Click and drag your cursor from right to left to create a crossing selection window.
The Command Line Options
After selecting the desired objects, AutoCAD presents you with several options in the command line:
- Erase – Pressing Enter immediately erases the selected objects.
- Undo – Typing U and pressing Enter allows you to undo your last selection.
- List – Typing L and pressing Enter displays a list of the selected objects in the command line. This can be helpful for reviewing your selection before deleting.
- Redefine – Typing R and pressing Enter lets you redefine a previously erased object.
This is useful if you accidentally delete an object that you need to restore.
- Purge – Typing P and pressing Enter initiates the Purge command, which allows you to remove unused objects from your drawing. This can help reduce file size and improve performance.
- All – Typing A and pressing Enter selects all objects in the drawing for deletion.
Tips for Efficient Usage of Erase Command
To ensure smooth workflow and minimize errors, keep these tips in mind while using the Erase command:
- Select Only What You Need: Be careful when selecting objects to delete. Review your selection carefully before proceeding to avoid accidentally erasing important entities.
- Crossing vs. Window: Choose between Crossing or Window selection based on your requirements.
Crossing selection deletes objects that fall within or intersect with the selection window, while Window selection deletes only fully enclosed objects.
- Use Layers: Utilize AutoCAD’s layer functionality to organize your drawing. By assigning objects to different layers, you can easily select and erase objects based on their layer assignments.
- Save Your Work: Before performing any major edits, it is always a good practice to save your drawing. This allows you to revert back in case of any unintended deletions.
Conclusion
The Erase command in AutoCAD is a fundamental tool for removing unwanted entities from your drawings. By mastering this command and understanding its various options, you can efficiently clean up your designs and enhance their clarity. Remember to use caution while selecting objects for deletion and save your work regularly to avoid any irreversible mistakes.
With these tips in mind, you are now equipped with the knowledge to make the most out of the Erase command in AutoCAD. Happy designing!