How to delete or erase objects you no longer need in BricsCAD?
Short Answer
To delete or erase objects you no longer need in BricsCAD, use the ERASE command, which is the fastest and most common professional method. Select the objects, press Delete or confirm the command, and BricsCAD removes them from the drawing. Limitation: locked-layer objects cannot be erased until unlocked.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: Erasing objects in BricsCAD is permanent once you save and close, unless you restore from backup or undo history is still available. A common failure is trying to erase geometry inside a block or on a locked layer, which makes it seem like the command is not working.
How to Delete Objects in BricsCAD
Command: ERASE
Shortcut: E
Quick Steps:
- On the Ribbon, go to Home > Modify panel and click Erase, or type E and press Enter.
- Select the objects you want to remove, or use a selection method such as window or crossing.
- Press Enter to confirm deletion. You can also preselect objects and press the Delete key for the same result.
A real professional option is to use selection cycling when overlapping objects make selection difficult.
Variables & Settings
Key Setting: Selection Cycling
Expert Setting: When multiple overlapping objects are under the cursor, Selection Cycling helps you choose the exact object to erase instead of deleting the wrong one. Turn it on from the status bar when working in dense drawings.
Why it Fails
- Cause 1 (Geometry): The object may be part of a block definition, so erasing the visible instance does not remove geometry inside the block itself.
- Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The object is on a locked layer, which prevents deletion until the layer is unlocked.
- Cause 3 (Command/Logic): You may be selecting referenced content such as an xref, where only the reference can be detached, not individual nested objects directly.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
- Quick Fix: Use LAYUNLOCK or open Layer Explorer and unlock the layer before running ERASE again.
- Manager’s Verdict: Use ERASE for routine cleanup because it is fast, reliable, and standard across CAD workflows. Avoid deleting blindly in production files; isolate layers or preselect carefully first, especially in shared drawings.
FAQ
Can I delete objects with the keyboard only?
Yes, preselect the objects and press the Delete key.
Why can’t I erase part of an Xref?
Because Xref geometry is externally referenced; you must edit the source file or detach the reference.
Can I recover an erased object?
Yes, use UNDO immediately if the erase was done in the current session.
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