How to Wipeout a Polyline in AutoCAD

Understanding the Wipeout Feature in AutoCAD

Wiping out areas in AutoCAD is an effective way to conceal elements in your drawing without permanently deleting them. This is particularly useful when you want to improve the clarity of your designs or create masks for specific sections.

Steps to Wipeout a Polyline in AutoCAD

1. Initiate the Wipeout Command
   Start by either typing WI in the command line and pressing Enter, or find the Wipeout option in the Draw drop-down menu.

2. Select the Boundary
   You will be prompted to define the area you want to wipe out. Click on your canvas to set the starting point, then continue to click around to form a boundary around the area you wish to conceal. Make sure it forms a closed shape.

3. Using Polylines for Wipeout
   Instead of manually clicking points, you can create a more precise wipeout by using a polyline. To do this, first execute the POLYGON command and input 36 during the prompt to create a circle-like closed polyline. After that, activate the Wipeout command again and select the Polyline option. Click on the circle you created, and your selected area will be wiped out.

4. Finalize the Wipeout
   Once your boundary is set, press Enter to complete the command. The area within the specified boundary will now be hidden, effectively creating a wipeout.

Managing Wipeout Frames

To control the visibility of wipeout frames while working, use the command TFRAMES. Inputting this command toggles the display of the wipeout frames on or off in your drawing, making it easier to focus on other elements.

Hiding Wipeout Visibility

If you want to hide the wipeout itself, execute the WIPEOUT command and look for the Frames setting. Select Off to hide the boundary frame which allows the area to be masked without showing the wipeout outline.

Making a Wipeout Invisible

When wanting to create an invisible wipeout, utilize the Hide setting found in the Wipeout command options. This allows for discreet masking of certain areas within your design while keeping the underlying elements intact.

FAQs

1. Can I wipeout an area using curves or arcs?
   Yes, by creating a closed polyline that mimics your desired shape, you can achieve a wipeout effect utilizing the WIPEOUT command.

2. What happens if my wipeout area intersects other drawing elements?
   The wipeout will still function, concealing items in the specified area regardless of other overlapping elements in the drawing.

3. How can I adjust the wipeout area after it has been created?
   You can modify the wipeout area by first selecting it, and then using the grips that appear to resize it or move it to another location on the screen.