What Is Purge Command in AutoCAD?

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The Purge command in AutoCAD is a powerful tool that allows you to remove unnecessary or unused elements from your drawing files. This can help reduce the file size and improve the performance of your AutoCAD software. In this article, we will explore what the Purge command does and how to use it effectively.

What is the Purge command?

The Purge command in AutoCAD is used to remove unused or redundant objects such as blocks, layers, linetypes, text styles, and dimension styles from your drawing files. These objects may accumulate over time as you work on different projects or collaborate with other users.

By removing these unnecessary objects, you can optimize your drawing files and improve the overall efficiency of your workflow. The Purge command helps you maintain a clean and organized drawing environment.

How to access the Purge command?

To access the Purge command in AutoCAD, you can either use the ribbon interface or enter the PURGE command in the command line. Here’s how:

Using Ribbon Interface:

  1. Click on the ‘Application’ button in the top-left corner of the AutoCAD window.
  2. Select ‘Drawing Utilities’ from the drop-down menu.
  3. Click on ‘Purge’ from the expanded menu.

Using Command Line:

  1. Type ‘PURGE’ in the command line and press Enter.

Using the Purge command:

Once you have accessed the Purge command, a dialog box will appear with a list of object types that can be purged. You can select one or multiple object types for purging by checking their respective checkboxes.

Note: It is recommended to create a backup of your drawing files before using the Purge command, as it permanently deletes the selected objects.

After selecting the object types, click on the ‘Purge’ button to remove the unused objects from your drawing. AutoCAD will provide a summary of the purged items and their sizes.

If any object types cannot be purged due to dependencies, such as blocks used in the drawing, AutoCAD will notify you and give you options to handle those dependencies.

Tips for using the Purge command effectively:

  • Purge periodically: It is good practice to use the Purge command periodically to keep your drawing files clean and optimized. This helps prevent file bloating and maintains smooth performance.
  • Review dependencies: Before purging, it’s important to review any dependencies that may prevent certain objects from being purged.

    Take note of these dependencies and decide whether they are necessary for your drawing or can be safely removed.

  • Create a template file: If you frequently start new drawings from a template file, make sure to purge unnecessary objects from the template file as well. This ensures that your new drawings start with a clean slate.

The Purge command in AutoCAD is an essential tool for maintaining a tidy and efficient drawing environment. By removing unused objects, you can optimize your workflow and improve overall productivity. Remember to use it periodically and with caution, considering any dependencies that may affect your drawings.