This could include empty text strings, points and blocks that contain only invisible attributes. There are a number of objects that could be effecting your DWG’s file size – that aren’t always visible.

Poof! All unused data will be gone ) Find Invisible objects Note: A quick way to delete all unnecessary objects from your drawing file is to hit CTRL+A (select all), then hold down the Shift key whilst de-selecting what you want to keep. If you end up with a lot of unnecessary, old or out-dated geometry, create an archive copy of the AutoCAD DWG file and delete your intermediate work from your working DWG file. This is all additional data that AutoCAD needs to manage. If you need to make a change to your drawing, It can be tempting to copy the old detail to one side ‘just in case’. The dynamic properties of the block will not be able to resolve themselves and this may corrupt your DWG. Carefully rebuild the block and then replace or re-define the block in the original drawing.īe really, really careful that you don’t explode a dynamic block. Then follow the advice below on the new file. If you suspect a block is causing a problem, copy it out into a blank file and exploded it. If there is more than one copy of each block in the drawing then the blocks will actually be saving memory. If you receive a drawing from a third party, don’t be tempted to explode all their blocks.

Other issues that could be slowing your DWG downĪs always, save a copy of your production DWG files before you mess about with them :) This is particularly important if you are working with a third party drawing.

I’ve listed a few tools and tips below that could help you put a bit of zip back into a sluggish DWG. This could also be necessary when dealing with files from clients, suppliers or contractors. If you’ve been working on a file for some time, and you’ve noticed AutoCAD slowing down, then it may be worth doing a bit of a cleanup to help slim that drawing file down. Working this way will also go some way to preventing your AutoCAD DWG files becoming bloated or corrupt. Using Polylines, Groups, Blocks, Layers and Xref’s effectively will help you to work quickly with your drawings files.

If you’ve been following the CAD Setter Out for a while, you will know that I recommend keeping your geometry organised as you go along.

Creating an xref in autocad