How to Delete Proxy Entity in AutoCAD?

Understanding Proxy Entities in AutoCAD

Proxy entities in AutoCAD serve as representations of custom entities, particularly those generated by third-party applications that are not supported by your version of AutoCAD. This proxy status arises when the original application that created the entity is unavailable. Knowing how to manage these objects is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your drawing files.

Steps to Delete Proxy Entities in AutoCAD

Deleting proxy entities may be necessary if they are not needed, especially when working solely within AutoCAD without third-party extensions. Use the following steps to effectively remove proxy entities from your drawings:

1. Disable Proxy Notifications:
   Set the system variable PROXYNOTICE to 0. This action will prevent AutoCAD from notifying you about proxy entities. To do this:

   • Open the command line by pressing Ctrl + 9 if it’s not currently visible.
   • Type PROXYNOTICE and press Enter.
   • When prompted, enter 0.

2. Export to AutoCAD Format:
   A straightforward method to eliminate proxy entities is to utilize the -EXPORTTOAUTOCAD command. This function converts proxy objects into standard AutoCAD objects.

   • Type -EXPORTTOAUTOCAD in the command line and press Enter.
   • Follow the subsequent prompts to select the components you wish to export, ensuring that all proxy objects are included.
   • Save the newly created DWG file, which should have all proxy entities converted into standard AutoCAD blocks.
3. Save Your Work:
   After completing the export process, ensure to save your drawing under a new file name to preserve the original, just in case you want to revert any changes.

Method to View and Manage Proxy Graphics

If you wish to visualize how proxy entities appear, you can also manage proxy graphics settings. This will help you ensure that any changes you make are visible.

1. Display Proxy Graphics:
   Follow these steps to enable the viewing of proxy graphics:

   • Set your drawing to the desired view.
   • Invoke the command line by pressing Ctrl + 9.
   • Type PROXYGRAPHICS, then press Enter.
   • Enter 1 to enable proxy graphics display.
   • Save your drawing to retain these settings.
2. Temporarily Disable Proxy Graphics:
   If you need to disable the proxy graphics:
   • Return to the command line, type PROXYGRAPHICS, and press Enter.
   • Enter 0 to disable the display.

Changing Proxy Objects

If you find that proxy objects are interfering with your work but still need to retain some of their functionality, consider converting them to standard blocks via Object Enablers.

1. Download Object Enablers:

   • Visit the Autodesk website and access the Knowledge Network.
   • Search for Object Enablers that correspond to your version of AutoCAD (e.g., AutoCAD 2025).
   • Download and install the necessary Object Enablers.
2. Open Drawings in the Right Software:
   Utilize the installed Object Enablers to open and save the drawing in a format that replaces proxy objects with standard ones.

FAQs

Q1: Can I edit proxy entities in AutoCAD?
No, proxy entities cannot be edited directly in AutoCAD when the corresponding application is not available. You may need to convert them to standard objects using the methods outlined above.

Q2: What happens to proxy entities if I open a drawing in the original application?
If you open a drawing in the application that created the proxy entities, they will be replaced with their original custom objects, enabling full editing capabilities.

Q3: Are proxy objects the same as layer objects in AutoCAD?
No, proxy objects are specific to custom applications and represent entities that cannot be fully utilized in AutoCAD. Layer objects, on the other hand, are standard entities that can be managed and modified as part of the AutoCAD environment.