How to remove blocks by its type using worldEditor or command?

[addwq]

Wondering if there is any method that could remove one particular type block from a given area.

for example, to remove only dirt blocks from a land and keep all other type of blocks untouched such as rocks underneath and sand scatted between dirts etc

or to remove all rocks but remain ores to see their distribution like transparently.

[InvisbleKing]

I wanted to know the same thing yesterday but the 2 forums with this question had no answer on how to do it. So I spent a bit tryna figure it out. Figured I may as well pst here.

If you go into creative mode and hit " ` " You'll enter World Edit mode.
From there look through the buttons on the left until you see the "Eraser" tool. Select it.
At the top you will see several options for the selected tool. Change "Mode" to "Replace Selected Block".
Set the size to whatever you like (or whatever your PC can handle)

Every Left click will now clear blocks of the exact same type from the specified size of area. allowing you to destroy the top layer of grass blocks, then the soil, then Stones. until you only see the exact blocks you want to see in a designated area.

I used this yesterday to check out how often High Quality Soil occurs naturally, as well as the placement of ores in various places around my world.

[Maethius]

This is fantastic! Do you know if it works for removing water from waterlogged blocks? I am sure it can replace water source blocks, but I have been looking for a less painful option to... well, pump out a flooded basement in my castle. :)