---
url: /technical/how-to-remove-data-from-a-cube.md
---
# How to remove unused data from a cube

Data that no longer needs to be stored in MODLR can be removed either by wiping the cells, or by permanently removing the populated element from the dimension.

## Removing the element from the dimension

In the scenario dimension below, any data stored against the **Budget** scenario can be removed from the model by completing the following steps:

![scenario dimension](/scenario-dimension.png)

1. Remove the element from the hierarchy and click "Save".

![scenario dimension with element removed](/scenario-dimension-element-removed.png)

2. Click **Audit Dimension**.
   ::: info

If the element is contained in any hierarchies, it will not appear when auditing the dimension. **Audit Dimension** shows any elements that do not exist in hierarchies within the dimension - these are called **orphaned elements**. The same check is available from a Process via [`dimension.audit`](/process-functions/dimension-audit.html).
:::

![scenario dimension audit and remove orphans](/scenario-dimension-audit-dimension-remove-orphans.png)

3. Click **Remove Orphans**.
4. [Restart the server](how-to-restart-a-server). This is required to clear the cell paths/locations from memory.

::: warning
Removing the element (step 3, or [`element.delete`](/process-functions/element-delete) from a Process) takes it out of the dimension straight away, but its old values stay in memory until the cube is next loaded from disk. The restart in step 4 is what clears them.

Until then, the removal can be undone by creating an element with the same name again, which brings its old values back with it. The data is only dropped if the element still doesn't exist when the server restarts.

Only restart once you're sure the removal was correct.
:::

## Wiping the cells

If a cell is not fed by a formula, it can be wiped by:

* Setting the value in a number cell to `0` or empty string
* Setting the value in a string cell to empty string
* Using the [cube.wipe process function](/process-functions/cube-wipe)
* Using the [dataspreading /clear](dataspreading-clear)