deleting unused layers

[clicker]

i'm trying to delete unused layers but ACAD won't let me. I tried the purge command, but it doesn't work. I know there are no objects on these layers but for some reason I can't delete them... help!

[Fastdraft]

When I cant get rid of layers I usaully use the "Layer Translator" command to get rid of the un wanted layers. So I would go to Tools\CAD Standards\Layer Translator. Once in the Layer translator command you can translate the layer you do not wish to have to a layer in your drawing that you need like "0" because you can never get ride of "0". Hope this helps!

[BlackBox]

You *may* have a Block Reference which includes the undesired layers, which would make it so you cannot purge them (the layers).

 

Have you tried the LAYDEL command?

[clicker]

Thanks fastdraft and renderman. I tried LAYDEL and it worked like a charm. Apparently this allows you to delete layers that are otherwise un-deleteable through the layer manager dialog box. I did not know about the layer translator either. this would have worked as well.

[alanjt]

Be careful just using LayDel blindly. You might have a series of poorly made blocks that have nested geometry on those layers and when you LayDel them, they are gone forever. You're better off to first merge them with the "0" layer, then delete them with LayDel or Purge.

[irneb]

Be careful just using LayDel blindly. You might have a series of poorly made blocks that have nested geometry on those layers and when you LayDel them, they are gone forever. You're better off to first merge them with the "0" layer, then delete them with LayDel or Purge.

I second that! LayDel is quite dangerous, you may even then find that everything inside those blocks are gone - i.e. you end up with a whole bunch of block inserts which you cannot select (easily)! Not to mention, the linework disappearing is not necessarily what you wanted to do!

 

I much prefer the LayMrg command, just draw a few lines. Set them to the layers you want "removed", set one to the layer you want them to "turn-into" (usually 0 ). Use LayMrg to merge them into the selected layer.

[Tiger]

Another thing that I seem to miss all too often - the Layouts.

 

I stare myself blind on the Model Space tab and search and search and search for stuff when I can't delete layers and somehow miss that there are Layout tabs that can also be crammed with objects.

 

Just a heads up

[designerstuart]

I much prefer the LayMrg command, just draw a few lines. Set them to the layers you want "removed", set one to the layer you want them to "turn-into" (usually 0 ). Use LayMrg to merge them into the selected layer.

this is a great tip, thanks