How to Make Wipeout Frame in AutoCAD?

Understanding Wipeout Frames in AutoCAD

What is a Wipeout Frame?

A Wipeout frame in AutoCAD is a tool that allows users to hide specific portions of a drawing without removing the actual objects contained within that area. It creates a polygonal overlay that effectively masks the underlying content, making the drawing clearer and allowing for more organized presentations.

Steps to Create a Wipeout Frame in AutoCAD 2025

1. Accessing the Wipeout Command

   • Launch AutoCAD 2025 and open the drawing where you want to create a Wipeout frame.
   • Type WIPEOUT in the command line and press Enter, or alternatively, access the tool through the Draw toolbar.

2. Defining the Boundary

   • Use your cursor to click and specify the points of the area you wish to cover. This can be done by selecting either straight lines or curving paths that create a polygonal boundary around the desired section.
   • Once you have outlined the area, press Enter to finalize the boundary.
3. Managing the Polyline Option
   • AutoCAD will prompt you to choose whether or not to erase the polyline that was used to define the Wipeout area.
   • Type Y (Yes) if you wish to remove the polyline, or N (No) to keep it for future reference.

How to Control Wipeout Frames Visibility

To manage the visibility of Wipeout frames in your AutoCAD workspace, follow these steps:

1. Open the Annotate Tab

   • Navigate to the Annotate tab on the ribbon.
   • Locate the Markup panel and click on the Wipeout icon.

2. Adjust Frame Settings

   • When prompted, enter F to access the Frames settings.
   • You will be given three options:
     • On: displays the Wipeout frame.
     • Off: hides the Wipeout frame.
     • Display But Not Plot: allows the frame to be visible in the workspace but not when printing.
3. Selecting Your Preference
   • Choose the option that fits your needs best by typing the corresponding command.

Creating a Wipeout from a Polyline

If you want to create a Wipeout specifically from an existing polyline:

1. Ensure Polyline Selection

   • Use the command WIPEOUT followed by selecting the polyline object that you want to convert into a Wipeout.
2. Complete the Process
   • Confirm by hitting Enter, and your selected polyline will become a Wipeout object.

Hiding an Existing Wipeout Frame

To hide an existing Wipeout frame:

1. Select the Wipeout Frame

   • Use the command line to find the Wipeout frame or simply click on it if visible.

2. Toggle Frame Options

   • Type TFRAMES in the command line. This will allow you to toggle visibility for the Wipeout frames quickly.
3. Verify Frame Status
   • Check whether the frame is set to display or not based on the toggled status.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a Wipeout frame be resized or edited after creation?
Yes, a Wipeout frame can be edited. You can select it and use the grips to resize or modify the shape as needed.

2. Is it possible to print with Wipeout frames displayed?
You can control the visibility of Wipeout frames when printing. Selecting "Display But Not Plot" will ensure they are not included in the printed output while still being visible in the workspace.

3. How do Wipeout frames affect drawing performance?
While Wipeout frames can improve the organization and readability of your drawings, excessive use may impact performance, especially in large or complex drawings. It’s advisable to use them judiciously.