Draftsight

How to Delete Lines in DraftSight?

Steps to Delete Lines in Draftsight

Deleting lines in Draftsight can be accomplished through a few simple commands. The following steps will guide you through the process of erasing unwanted lines from your drawing.

Step 1: Activate the Erase Command

Begin by accessing the "Erase" command. You can do this by either selecting the "Erase" icon from the Modify toolbar or typing "ERASE" in the command line and pressing Enter.

Step 2: Select Lines to Delete

Once the erase command is activated, you will see a prompt indicating that you should select objects. Use your mouse to click on the lines or elements you wish to remove. You can also use various selection methods:

  • Single Selection: Click on the specific line you want to delete.
  • Window Selection: Click and drag to create a box around multiple lines. All lines within the box will be selected.
  • Cross Selection: Click and drag to create a box that crosses through the lines you want to select.

If you need to quickly select the last object that was drawn, you can type “L” and hit Enter to grab the latest item.

Step 3: Confirm Deletion

After selecting the desired lines, press Enter to confirm the deletion. The selected lines will be erased from your drawing.

Step 4: Undo If Necessary

If you accidentally delete the wrong lines, you can easily reverse that action. Simply type "UNDO" or press Ctrl + Z to restore the deleted objects.

Deleting Multiple Lines in Draftsight

For situations where multiple lines need to be erased, follow these enhanced steps:

Step 1: Use a Selection Window

Activate the "Erase" command as described above. Utilize a window selection to encompass all the lines that need deletion. Make sure to create a selection box that highlights each line you want to erase.

Step 2: Use the Filter Tool

Alternatively, if you have specific criteria (e.g., deleting only a certain color or line type), access the "Filter" tool before initiating the erase command. This will allow you to specify exactly which lines should be selected for deletion.

Step 3: Confirm Deletion

Press Enter after selection to delete all chosen lines in one action.

Using the Properties Palette for Line Management

Sometimes it can be helpful to manage your drawing elements via the Properties palette.

Step 1: Open the Properties Palette

If it is not already open, access it by clicking "View" in the top menu and selecting "Properties." This will show you a list of all elements in your drawing.

Step 2: Select the Lines

In the Properties palette, locate the lines you want to delete. You can select multiple items by holding down Ctrl and clicking on them.

Step 3: Delete the Selected Lines

Once the lines are highlighted, find the delete option typically at the bottom of the Properties palette and click it to erase the selected lines from the drawing.

FAQ

1. Can I recover deleted lines in Draftsight?
Yes, deleted lines can generally be restored using the "Undo" command. Additionally, if you have made a backup of your file prior to deletion, you can retrieve your previous version.

2. What should I do if the Erase command does not work?
If the Erase command does not seem to function, ensure that you have the correct layer activated, and the objects intended for deletion are not locked or frozen.

3. Is there a way to delete all lines in one step?
Yes, you can use the “Select All” command (Ctrl + A) to highlight everything in your drawing, and then use the Erase command to remove all selected lines at once. However, be mindful as this will delete all objects in the drawing, so make sure to select only lines if that is your intent.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.