Discarding Unused References

The Clean command removes unused references from the drawing. You can remove Block definitions, EntityGroups, Layers, defined drafting styles (such as LineStyles, TextStyles, DimensionStyles, and RichLineStyles), and other references as long as they are not referenced by other definitions or entities in the drawing file.

You can apply the command to all component types or to selected ones.

Discarding unused references can reduce a drawing's file size. This command is useful before archiving or backing up drawings.

The Clean command does not remove defined views or coordinate systems because they are never referenced by another component of the drawing. To remove defined views, use the Views command. To remove defined coordinate systems use the CCS or CSStyle commands.

You cannot discard:

• Layer 0 (there must be at least one layer in the drawing)
• The LineStyles "Continuous", "ByLayer", and "ByBlock"
• The TextStyle "Standard"
• The TableStyle "Standard"
• The RichLineStyle "Standard"
• Layers that contain drawing entities
• LineStyles, TextStyles, TableStyles, and RichLineStyles referenced by drawing entities
• The active layer, LinesStyle, TextStyle, TableStyle, and RichLineStyle

To discard unused references:

1. Click Format > Clean (or type Clean).
2. Click File > Clean (or type Clean).
3. Do one of the following:
   • On the menu, click Format > Clean.
   • Type Clean.
4. In the dialog box, select Show unreferenced entities.
5. Set options:
   • Delete dependent entities: Removes items and subordinate items that are not referenced by other entities.
   • Confirm before delete: Displays the Confirm Clean dialog box for each item to remove.
6. Click Delete to discard the selected items.

   - or -

   Click Delete All to discard all unused items.

Access

Command: Clean

Menu: Format > Clean

Menu: File > Clean