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Erase ERASE (Command)

Removes selected objects from the drawing permanently. Unlike Cut, erased objects are not copied to the clipboard.

Quick start

Toolbar > Edit > Erase, or type ERASE in the Command Panel, or press Del

Prompts

Prompt Description
Select entities Pick the objects to erase (if not pre-selected)

How to Use

Pre-Selection (Select First)

  1. Select entities using any selection method (click, window, crossing, etc.)
  2. Start the Erase command or press Del
  3. The selected entities are removed immediately

Post-Selection (Command First)

  1. Start the Erase command
  2. Pick entities at the "Select entities" prompt
  3. Press Enter to confirm -- the selected entities are removed
Command: ERASE
Select entities: [click entities or use window/crossing]
Select entities: [Enter]         --> selected objects are erased

Selection Methods

All entity selection methods work with Erase:

Method How
Single click Click entities one at a time
Window (Left-to-Right) Select entities fully inside the rectangle
Crossing (Right-to-Left) Select entities inside or touching the rectangle
Lasso Freehand drag to select
Fence Type F -- select entities crossing a polyline path
All Type ALL -- select every visible entity
Last Type L -- select the most recently created entity
Previous Type P -- re-select the previous selection set

Tip

Use Shift+click to remove entities from the selection before confirming, so you don't accidentally erase the wrong objects.

Undo an Erase

If you erase something by mistake, immediately undo:

  • Press Ctrl+Z (desktop) or use Undo from the Toolbar
  • The erased entities are restored to their original state

Warning

Erase does not copy objects to the clipboard. If you want to remove and paste elsewhere, use Cut (Ctrl+X) instead.

Erase vs Other Commands

Command Effect
Erase Permanently removes entities (not on clipboard)
Cut (Ctrl+X) Removes entities and copies to clipboard
Trim Removes portions of entities at intersection boundaries
Break Splits an entity at a point or gap

Best Practices

Practice Benefit
Review selection before pressing Enter Avoid erasing wrong entities
Use Crossing for bulk removal Fast selection of many entities
Use Shift+click to deselect Remove accidental picks before confirming
Undo immediately if needed Restores erased entities
Check for entities on locked layers Locked entities cannot be erased

Quick Reference

Task Input
Erase selected entities Select first, then Del
Erase by picking ERASE > click entities > Enter
Erase all visible ERASE > type ALL > Enter
Erase last created ERASE > type L > Enter
Undo an erase Ctrl+Z

See also: Entity Selection | Move Command | Copy Command | Trim Command