How to Wipeout Object in AutoCAD

Understanding the Wipeout Command in AutoCAD

The Wipeout command in AutoCAD is a powerful tool designed to obscure specific areas of your drawing without actually deleting any elements. This functionality allows you to maintain your overall layout while focusing on particular components by masking unwanted areas with a “wipeout” object. The resulting effect is similar to creating a blank space in your drawing, allowing for better clarity and presentation.

Steps to Execute a Wipeout in AutoCAD

1. Access the Wipeout Command:

   • Start by opening your AutoCAD workspace. You can initiate the Wipeout command by typing WI in the command line and pressing Enter. Alternatively, locate the Wipeout tool on the Draw toolbar.

2. Define the Boundary:

   • With the command active, AutoCAD will prompt you to specify a boundary. Use your cursor to click and drag, outlining the area you wish to mask. For precision, you may opt to use a polyline to define this boundary.

3. Finalize the Wipeout:

   • Once you’ve outlined the desired area, press Enter on your keyboard. This action will create the wipeout effect, hiding everything behind the specified boundary while retaining the original objects in the drawing.
4. Managing Wipeout Frame Visibility:
   • After creating a wipeout, you may want to toggle the visibility of the wipeout’s boundary frame. To do this, type TFRAMES in the command line. This command will allow you to switch the wipeout frames on or off, providing flexibility in how you present your drawing.

Customizing Wipeouts with Polylines

For more complex shapes, you can utilize a polyline to create a wipeout boundary. Start by drawing your polyline with the PLINE command, then follow the same steps to activate the Wipeout command, using the polyline as the boundary. This option is especially useful for irregular shapes or when needing to mask specific components effectively.

Hiding the Wipeout Area

If you wish to hide or show the wipeout frame later, you can do this through the same TFRAMES command mentioned earlier. Setting the frames to ‘Off’ will make the wipeout area appear seamlessly integrated into your drawing, while ‘On’ will allow you to see the frame, making it easier to manage or adjust later.

Working with Viewports

To implement wipeouts within a viewport, navigate to the layout or sheet tab. Here, select the viewport you wish to modify. Utilizing the Wipeout command in this context allows you to adjust what is visible in your model space while keeping the layout clean and organized.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of objects can be wiped out using the Wipeout command?
The Wipeout command can be used to hide any underlying objects or details in your drawing, such as lines, text, or blocks, without altering or erasing the original entities.

2. Can I change the properties of a wipeout after creating it?
Yes, you can modify the properties of a wipeout object, such as color and layer through the Properties palette, allowing for further customization in your drawing presentation.

3. Are wipeouts permanent, or can they be removed later?
Wipeouts are not permanent; you can easily delete or modify them at any time during your AutoCAD session, allowing flexibility as your drawing evolves.