Erasing objects

Erasing objects

Sometimes, you may need to erase the unwanted objects from the objects drawn. You can do so by using the Erase tool. This tool is used exactly the same way as an eraser is used in manual drafting to delete the unwanted lines.

The Erase command removes objects from the drawing file.

To erase an object,

1. Start the ERASE command by choosing Home tab > Modify panel > Erase tool. (or) Type ERASE (or) E in the Command line.

Now the cursor changes from the crosshairs to a little square. This is called the pickbox. Its appearance indicates that AutoCAD is ready for you to select objects on the screen. Also note the command line; it’s prompting you to select objects.

2. Place the pickbox on one of the objects, and click that object to be erased, and the object is faded in a light gray line weight.

3. Continue selecting all of the objects to be erased. The erased objects remain in a light gray line weight until the command is completed.

4. Press <Enter> or right-click to erase the objects. The objects are erased, and the ERASE command ends.

Three Types of Erasing Methods

There are three methods to erase (delete) objects from the drawing.

Method 1

Select the Erase command first and then select the objects to be erased.

Press Enter Key and the objects selected will disappear.

Method 2

Select the object to be erased.

Press the Delete Key.

Method 3

1.        Select the object to be erased.

2.        Press the right Mouse button.

3.        Select Erase from the Shortcut Menu using the left mouse button.

Note: If you want the erased objects to return, select the Undo tool from the Quick Access Toolbar. This will Undo the last command.

Plotting (Printing) the Drawing

Printing the drawing is done with the PLOT command.

1. Click the big red A, and then choose Print.

2. From the options lists, choose Plot. AutoCAD displays the Plot dialog box with its many options.

3. In the Printer/plotter area, select a printer from the Name droplist.

4. In the Plot Area section, select Extents from the What to Plot droplist. This option ensures the entire drawing is plotted.

5. In the Plot Offset section, select Center the plot to center the drawing on the paper.

6. In the Plot Scale area, select Fit to Paper. This ensures the drawing fits the paper, no matter the size of paper or drawing.

7. At this point, the dialog box’s options should look like those illustrated below.

To ensure the plot will work out correctly, click the Preview button. This lets you check for errors before committing (or wasting) paper.

8. Press ESC to exit the print preview mode. (or) Click on the Close(X) button.

9. Back in the Plot dialog box, choose OK to start the plot.