by Martin Phelps
This series of blogs are in response to a request by a new user who was having difficulties working with the AutoCAD’s interface and command structure. The idea is to go back to basics and look at the steps relating to the main editing functions, these will apply to most if not all recent versions of AutoCAD.
As with all AutoCAD functions, there is always more than one way to access the commands and various methods to gain the required result.
Starting with the “Erase” command.
The “Erase” command can be selected in one of the following ways, at the “Command Line” type in the letter “E” and press “Enter”, or select “Erase” from the “Modify” panel in the ribbon menu as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Location of the “Erase” command within the “Modify Panel”.
If using the tool bars, select “Erase” from the “Modify” tool bar as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Location of the “Erase” command in the “Modify Toolbar”.
Or if the drop-down menus are active select “Erase” from the “Modify Menu Bar”, as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Location of the “Erase” command in the “Modify Menu Bar”.
Note: - Both the “Toolbars” and “Drop-down” menus tend not to be used since most users either type in the command short cut or use the icon in the ribbon menu.
Once the “Erase” command is active, select the objects to be moved using any preferred method, “Window”, “Crossing Window”, “Implied Window”, “Implied Crossing Window”, “Window Polygon”, “Crossing Polygon”, Fence”, “All” etc.
The selected objects become highlighted in a dull grey colour, since these objects will no longer exist in the drawing, once the command is executed.
Note: - If any objects need to be removed from the selection set, simply hold down the “Shift” key and select the object.
When the selection set is finalised, press enter or the right mouse button to confirm, the selected objects will now be removed from the drawing file.
Note: - When using the “Erase” command, the “Erase” badge is displayed at the curser or pick box but only when hovering over an object with in the drawing as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4. The “Erase Badge”.
Using the “Undo” command will re instate the “Erased” objects.
Note: - As an alternative to activating the “Erase” command, select the “Object” or “Objects” prior to command selection, blue squares known as “Grips” are displayed and are located at the “Object Snap” points, (End, Mid, Etc.), either select the “Erase” icon, press the “Delete” key or the letter “E” and enter, or right click and from the menu select “Erase”.
The next blog in this series looks at the “Move” command.