Peter,
Simply selecting traces and deleting them. It can be done quite easily
in a couple of clicks per layer for deleting every trace on a layer. If you
are wanting something more selective then try embellishing on this tip.
For every trace on a layer, double click on one trace segment bring open
the property window for that trace. Click on the Global button near the
bottom. On the first Tab where you will find the trace's layer listed,
select "same" in the middle column match by field beside the layer. Now
click on the select checkbox near the bottom of the window. This will select
all traces on the same layer when you close the property window. After all
the traces are selected press Shift-Delete and all of those traces will be
deleted.
That is the manner that I usually use. However if you are a little
wilder and adventurous you could have set the same layer matching to "Any".
Then you would have deleted all traces on every layer in one quick delete.
Likewise if you selected "Different" then you would delete every trace
except those on the layer you started. After you press the Shift-Delete
after closing the trace property window and allowing the selection to be
performed.
For more selective removal of traces you just have to find some way of
matching their properties to do a different global editing selection and
then the same Shift-Delete. You can also use the selection tools to "S"elect
Connected Co"P"per (C,P) or something like "S"elect "N"et (S, N) which will
select a whole net whether or not it is all routed yet.
You really have to get a grasp on the Global Editing and then the
varying manners of selecting items. Also as you go through the menus, pay
attention to the hot keys for each function (usually the capitalized or
quoted letters in the menu commands. It is sure quicker than clicking
through menus. Also just try some semi-intuitive letter keys, i.e. "S" for
select, "P" for place (traces, vias, pads, lines, component decals, etc.),
"E" for d"E"select, "D" for Design rules, "G" for grid, etc.. You can also
look in the Help and find a listing of the "Hot Keys", I know it is usually
not easily found but I know it is in there somewhere, then you can print it
out for reference. Then look at the other choices presented when these keys
are pressed. Make a practice copy of your file so that you don't mes up the
only copy and then just play and experiment, you should be able to catch on
real quickly.
