Can't set output as intermediate data

RobBlash

I have a model where I can't set some of my outputs as intermediate data. I have some intermediate data in the model, that's great, but I have more data that needs to be checked as intermediate so it gets deleted once the model has run. One of those can be set to managed, but intermediate is grayed out. I just want it to be intermediate, not managed. There's no documentation (that I can find) that will explain what restricts an output from being called intermediate. Any insight would be greatly appreciated before I lose my mind.

curtvprice

To top it all off, if I add a delete process to the model, that very same output is then checked as intermediate (model builder checks it, I didn't do it). If I remove the delete process then it reverts back to the second screen shot.

Model data elements are only settable as intermediate if they are truly intermediate, i.e. the data element is the output of one tool and also the input to another tool in the chain.  When you added the Delete tool to the chain, that made it intermediate (between the point distance and delete tool).

Make Feature Layer is an exception to this because it doesn't really 'consume' the dataset, just creates a layer pointing to it. (I often use Delete to clean up feature layers BTW.)

Fortunately, you seem to have a good handle on preconditions used with the delete tool so you can set it up to do what you want.