In AutoCAD, the term “purge” refers to the process of removing unused elements from a drawing file. This can include layers, linetypes, blocks, styles, and other types of objects that are no longer needed.
Why is Purging Necessary?
When you work on a drawing in AutoCAD, you may create and modify various elements over time. However, not all of these elements end up being used in the final version of the drawing. Unused elements can accumulate and increase the file size unnecessarily, making it difficult to manage and slowing down performance.
Purging helps to optimize your drawing files by removing these unused elements. It reduces file size and improves performance by eliminating clutter.
How to Access the Purge Command
The Purge command in AutoCAD can be accessed through multiple methods:
- You can type “PURGE” in the command line.
- You can access it from the Application Menu (the big red A icon) by going to Drawing Utilities > Purge.
- You can use the keyboard shortcut “PU”.
Note: The availability of certain purge options may vary depending on your AutoCAD version.
The Purge Dialog Box
Once you access the Purge command, a dialog box will appear with a list of unused elements that can be purged from your drawing file. This dialog box provides useful options for selecting and purging specific categories or individual objects.
Selecting Objects to Purge
To select objects for purging:
- Select one or more categories from the list (e.g., Layers, Linetypes, Blocks).
- Click on the “Find” button to search for unused objects within the selected category.
- Review the list of found objects and check the ones you want to purge.
Note: Be cautious while purging objects, as once they are purged, they cannot be recovered. Make sure to create a backup of your drawing file before using the purge command.
Purging Individual Objects
If you want to purge individual objects instead of entire categories, follow these steps:
- Select “All” in the “Show” dropdown menu.
- Type the name of the object you want to purge in the “Name” field.
- Click on “Find”.
- Check the box next to the object you wish to purge.
Cleaning Up Your Drawing File
After selecting all the desired elements for purging, click on “Purge” or “Purge All”. AutoCAD will remove these unused elements from your drawing file, reducing its size and improving performance.
Note: It’s important to save your drawing file after purging. Once purged, you cannot undo this action.
In Conclusion
The Purge command in AutoCAD is a powerful tool for optimizing your drawing files. By removing unused elements, it helps reduce file size and improve performance.
Remember to use this command carefully and always make a backup copy of your drawing file before performing any purges. With regular use of the Purge command, you can keep your AutoCAD drawings clean and efficient.