Understanding the Purge Function in Vectorworks
Vectorworks is a versatile design software used by architects and designers, but over time, a project can accumulate unnecessary objects that increase file size and reduce efficiency. The Purge function addresses this issue by removing unused items from your drawing. Knowing how to properly use the Purge command can help streamline your documents.
What is the Purge Command?
The Purge command is a functionality within Vectorworks that eliminates objects from your document that are no longer displayed in the drawing area. These objects may include textures, symbols, and other items that were imported but not utilized in your current design. By purging these items, you can clear up space and potentially improve the performance of the software.
Steps to Purge in Vectorworks
Accessing the Purge Command
- Open your Vectorworks document where you want to perform the purge.
- Navigate to the top menu and select the “Tools” option.
- From the drop-down menu, look for the “Purge” function.
Reviewing Unused Items
- After activating the purge command, a dialog box will appear displaying a list of objects available for purging.
- This list typically includes various elements like textures, symbols, and other objects that are no longer linked to any elements in your drawing.
Selecting Items to Purge
- Carefully review the items listed. You may want to uncheck any items that you believe might be useful later.
- Highlight the objects that you definitely want to remove from your document.
Executing the Purge
- Once you have made your selections, confirm the purge action. Click the appropriate button, usually labeled "OK" or "Purge."
- Vectorworks will then execute the command, removing the selected objects from your project.
- Verifying Changes
- After the purge process is complete, it’s a good practice to check your drawing and the resource browser to confirm that the items you intended to remove are indeed gone.
- You can also observe whether there is a notable improvement in file size and performance.
Maintaining Clean Project Files
Regularly using the Purge command can lead to a more efficient workflow. By keeping your document clean of extraneous objects, you facilitate better system performance and easier navigation throughout your project. It is advisable to perform this step periodically, especially before finalizing any designs or preparing for printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I undo the purge action?
- Once you purge objects in Vectorworks, the action cannot be undone. It is recommended to save a backup of your document before performing a purge, just in case you need to retrieve any accidentally deleted objects later.
2. Does purging affect linked objects in my design?
- No, the purge command only removes objects that are not referenced or utilized in your current drawing. As such, any linked objects or those actively used in your design will remain intact.
3. Is there a shortcut for the purge command?
- Vectorworks does not have a default keyboard shortcut for the Purge command, but you can create a custom shortcut through the program preferences for easier access in future sessions.
