# How do I delete a project, and why can't I sometimes?

> Delete a project from its Actions menu or the Projects list. It removes the project and all its statements for good. You can't delete one while it's processing.

You can delete a project once you no longer need it. Deleting is permanent, it removes the project along with every statement and everything CounselPro pulled out of them, so it is worth being sure before you confirm.

## How to delete a project

You have three ways in:

- **From inside the project,** open the **Actions** menu in the header and choose **Delete project**.
- **From the Projects list,** right-click the project and choose **Delete project**.
- **To delete several at once,** select their checkboxes in the Projects list and click **Delete**.

Either way, a confirmation dialog spells out what happens: "This will permanently delete [the project] and all associated statements and processed data. This action cannot be undone." Confirm only when you are sure.

## Why can't I delete a project?

A project that is still processing cannot be deleted. In the Projects list, its checkbox is disabled while statements are working, so you cannot select it for deletion. This keeps CounselPro from tearing down a matter mid-read.

The fix is simply to wait. Once the project finishes and reads [Succeeded](https://www.counselpro.ai/docs/what-do-the-project-statuses-mean) (or **Failed**), the block lifts and you can delete it. If a project is stuck processing far longer than a [large upload should take](https://www.counselpro.ai/docs/how-long-does-processing-take), check its statements for one that [failed](https://www.counselpro.ai/docs/why-did-my-statement-fail) before assuming anything is wrong.

## Deleting vs organizing

If your goal is to clear clutter rather than destroy records, [folders](https://www.counselpro.ai/docs/organize-projects-into-folders) are the better tool, they file matters away without deleting anything. Save deletion for projects you truly do not need to keep.

Source: https://www.counselpro.ai/docs/delete-a-project