Understanding Clipping Boundaries in AutoCAD
Clipping boundaries in AutoCAD define the specific area of an image, underlay, external reference (Xref), or viewport that you want to display. This feature is useful for focusing on particular sections of your drawing while keeping the overall layout clear. The visibility of these boundaries can be adjusted using the FRAME system variable.
Steps to Create a Clipping Boundary in AutoCAD
Step 1: Select an External Reference
Begin by picking the external reference or Xref you want to work with. This is essential as it allows AutoCAD to recognize what you’re clipping.
Step 2: Access Clipping Tools
Navigate to the External Reference tab on the toolbar. Go to the Clipping panel, and then click on the option labeled "Create Clipping Boundary."
Step 3: Confirm Deletion of Existing Boundary
If prompted with an option to delete any existing clipping boundaries, select “Yes.” This ensures that the new boundary is set without interference from any previous ones.
Step 4: Define the Clipping Boundary Shape
You can choose to create a clipping boundary in several shapes:
- Polyline: Select an existing polyline.
- Rectangular: Specify corners of a rectangle.
- Polygonal: If more complexity is needed, define a polygonal shape by selecting vertices.
Step 5: Specify the Boundary Area
Once you have selected your shape, proceed to click around the area you wish to clip. Carefully define the corners or vertices to accurately represent the section that should remain visible.
Creating Multiple Clipping Boundaries
To manage multiple clipping boundaries for the same Xref, follow these steps:
Step 1: Clip the Initial Area
Begin with a standard clipping boundary around the first section you want to focus on.
Step 2: Duplicate the Clipped Xref
Copy the clipped Xref to position it where you need another clipping boundary.
Step 3: Select the Copied Xref
Click on the duplicated Xref to make it active for further modifications.
Step 4: Adjust the Clipping Area
Drag the selection boxes around the new area that you need to clip, similar to what you did before. Ensure this area is properly defined.
Step 5: Repeat as Necessary
Repeat the previous steps for any additional areas you want to clip from this or other Xrefs.
Clipping Images in AutoCAD
When it comes to clipping images, the procedure is slightly different:
Step 1: Activate the Image Clip Command
At the Command prompt, type IMAGECLIP and press Enter.
Step 2: Choose the Image to Clip
Select the boundary of the image you want to edit. This highlights the image for clipping.
Step 3: Set New Boundary Parameters
When prompted, select “n” for New Boundary. If you see an option to delete the previous boundary, you can choose “y” for Yes or “n” for No based on your need.
Step 4: Define the Shape and Area
Indicate whether you want to draw a polygonal or rectangular clipping boundary, and then outline the area appropriately.
Managing Clipping Boundaries Visibility
To toggle visibility of Xref clipping boundaries:
Step 1: Use the Modify Menu
Go to the Modify menu, then select "Object," followed by "Image Frame."
Step 2: Set Visibility Preferences
Enter:
0to hide image boundaries1to show and plot them2to show them but not include them in plots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I clip multiple Xrefs simultaneously in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can clip multiple Xrefs at the same time by selecting them all during the clipping command. Follow the same steps for each selected reference.
2. Is it possible to remove a clipping boundary once created?
Absolutely. To remove a clipping boundary, simply select the relevant Xref, access the clipping panel, and choose the option for removing boundaries.
3. Can I edit a clipping boundary after it’s created?
Yes, you can modify an existing clipping boundary by selecting the Xref and re-entering the clipping command to adjust the area as needed.
