[Solved] How to Delete a Block in ZWCAD

Blocks are one of the most powerful features in ZWCAD Flex. They allow users to group multiple entities into a single, reusable object that simplifies drafting, improves consistency, and reduces file size. However, there are times when you may want to delete a block—whether to clean up your drawing, remove outdated components, or fix issues caused by legacy blocks.

 

This guide explains various ways to delete blocks in ZWCAD Flex, including how to remove block instances, attributes, definitions, and library items, as well as what to do when a block cannot be deleted.

 

How to Delete a Block from the Drawing Area

To delete a block in ZWCAD Flex, follow these steps:

 

Select the Block(s)

Use the selection tools in ZWCAD Flex to choose the block or multiple blocks you want to delete. You can:

· Click on individual block(s).

· Use a selection window (drag left to right) or crossing window (drag right to left) to select multiple items.

 

Delete the Selected Block(s)

Once selected, you can:

· Press the Delete key on your keyboard, or

· Right-click and choose Delete from the context menu.

 

This removes the block instances from the drawing area.

 

Remove the Block Definition (Optional)

Deleting block instances does not remove the block definition from the drawing database. To completely remove the block (including its definition):

 

· Go to Express Tools > Blocks > Delete Block, or type the command: BDELETE

· In the dialog box, select the block name you want to remove.

· Confirm that you want to delete all instances and the block definition itself.

 

How to Delete an Attribute from a Block

To remove an attribute from a block, you can use the Block Attribute Manager. This tool allows you to manage, modify, or delete attributes associated with a block. Here's how:

 

Open the Block Attribute Manager

You can access the Block Attribute Manager in two ways:

 

Method 1: Using the Command Line

Type BATTMAN in the command line and press Enter.

 

Method 2: Using the Ribbon Interface

Click the Insert tab on the ribbon and select Manage Attributes from the Attributes panel.

 

Once opened, the Block Attribute Manager dialog box will appear, displaying a list of all blocks in the current drawing that contain attribute definitions. 

 

 

Select the Target Block

· Click the "Select Block" button in the dialog box.

· Choose the block containing the attribute you want to delete from the drawing area.

 

Locate the Attribute

· In the "List of Attributes" section, you’ll see all attributes associated with the selected block.

· Click to highlight the attribute you want to remove.

 

Delete the Attribute

Click the "Remove" button to delete the selected attribute from the block definition.

 

Note: If the block contains only one attribute, the Remove button will be disabled - you cannot delete the last remaining attribute through this dialog.

 

How to Delete a Block from the Block Library

To delete a block from the block library, you can use the BLOCKDELOBJ command. Here's how you can proceed:

 

Access the Command

You can activate the command by either:

 

· Navigating through the Ribbon: Express > Blocks > Remove from Block

· Using the menu: Express > Blocks > Remove from Block

· Or typing BLOCKDELOBJ directly in the command line and pressing Enter.

 

Select the Block Reference

Once the command is active, click to select the block reference containing the objects you want to delete.

 

Select Objects to Remove

After selecting the block, choose the specific objects inside the block that you wish to delete.

 

By following these steps, you can effectively remove objects from a selected block in your drawing.

 

Why Some Blocks Cannot be Deleted in ZWCAD Flex?

Sometimes, blocks in ZWCAD Flex cannot be deleted due to specific conditions or system settings. Below are the most common reasons and how to resolve them:

 

The Block is on a Locked Layer

If the block is placed on a locked layer, any object on that layer—including blocks—cannot be deleted.

 

Solution:

Unlock the layer via the Layer Manager or by using the LAYUNLOCK command.

 

The Block is a Proxy Object

Some blocks are created by third-party applications or plug-ins and may behave as proxy entities, which are not natively editable or removable in ZWCAD Flex.

 

How to check:

· Press Ctrl + 1 to open the Properties panel.

· Select the block and look at the object type—if it says “Proxy Object” or “Custom Entity,” it’s not a standard block.

 

Solution:

Try to use the original software or plugin to manage the object, or convert it to a standard block if possible.

 

The Block is from a DWF/DWFx Underlay

Block references from DWF or DWFx drawings may behave differently due to system settings.

 

Check the system variable DWFDELMODE:

· Type DWFDELMODE in the command line.

· Set its value to 1 to allow deletion of DWF/DWFx elements.

· Try deleting the block again.