Tools > Purge… deletes items that are USED

[Mark Aceto]

For as long as I can remember, the Purge command will delete all manner of things it shouldn’t. It loves to delete truss parts, and I just caught it deleting speaker and bumper symbols that were in use (and were subsequently replaced with the default bumper). To be clear, this behavior has been going on for years (nothing new in v2021).

 

I’ve also observed the same behavior when purging “unused” colors from the color palette which has produced comical results (like Ace & Gary’s “flesh lift” below). 

 

Can anyone explain to me how to avoid this or is it simply a longstanding bug / pitfall? The only safe way I’ve found to remove items is from the RM. If I don’t get a replacement warning, I know it’s actually unused.

 

Edited December 10, 2020 by Mark Aceto

[Andy Broomell]

I've never had any issues till Tools > Purge, but I have had many issues with trying to purge unused colors from the Attributes Palette. I don't even attempt it anymore after too many funked up files.

[E|FA]

Submit to http://www.vectorworks.net/support/bugsubmit ?

[Kevin C]

Totally agree. We need to be able to purge items that are not being used, the tool is way beyond time for an refresh.

 

• The purge 'Objects outside of page boundaries' is a typical example of how out-of-date it is: We have been working in sheets for years now
• We need to be able to purge unused or unreferenced objects and styles from the resource manager (like windows, doors and wall styles).  Currently if you delete a style out the resource manager, it doesn't warn or tell you that that style is in use, just deletes it and converts any instances to an 'unstyled' object' - not very user friendly

 

Edited February 28, 2021 by Kevin C

[unearthed]

I always turn everything on before I purge, AND make a backup file with preclean in name. Too many bad experiences in the past. 

 

Obviously it hasn't been improved - bells and whistles keep getting priority it seems.