How to Do Background Mask in AutoCAD?

Understanding Background Masks in AutoCAD

Creating a Background Mask

To create a background mask in AutoCAD, follow these detailed steps:

1. Accessing the Wipeout Tool
   Navigate to the Annotate tab in the ribbon. Locate the Markup panel and select Wipeout. This tool allows you to define an area that will be obscured.

2. Defining the Mask’s Shape
   Click on the drawing area to specify points in a sequence that outline the area you want to mask. Alternatively, if you have a closed polyline, you can simply type p and select the polyline. Ensure that the polyline is closed and consists solely of line segments with zero width.

3. Finalizing the Mask Creation
   After specifying the perimeter points, press Enter to complete the command. The defined area will now be masked, concealing any objects within.

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Applying a Background Mask to Text

Applying a background mask to text enhances readability by placing an opaque barrier behind the text. Here’s how:

1. Access Text Formatting
   Double-click the text attribute you want to modify. Click on the ellipsis (…) that appears, which opens the text formatting editor.

2. Enable Background Mask
   In the text editor, right-click on the text area and select the option for Background Mask from the contextual menu. This opens the Background Mask dialog, where you can choose the mask’s status and color.

3. Choose Color Options
   You can select to use the drawing’s background color or pick a different hue that contrasts with the text. Make your selections and apply them to finalize the background mask.

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Masking Viewports in AutoCAD

To mask a viewport in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

1. Use Wipeout in Model Space
   Enter the model space where your objects are located and create a wipeout that encompasses the objects you want to mask.

2. Set Viewport Properties in Paper Space
   Switch to the paper space where your viewport is located. Your viewports should now reflect the mask created in model space. Adjust the draworder as needed to ensure that the correct items are displayed over or under the mask.

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Adjusting Background Mask Size

If the background mask appears too large, you can modify its size through the following steps:

1. Select the Text Object
   Click on the text that has the background mask applied to open its contextual ribbon.

2. Adjust the Border Offset
   Navigate to Extras in the ribbon. Click on Background Mask, and you’ll see the option for the Border Offset Factor. This setting controls the padding around the text, allowing for fine adjustments to the mask’s size.

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Removing or Hiding Items in AutoCAD

You can hide or remove objects in AutoCAD efficiently:

1. Hiding Objects
   Select the objects you want to hide. Right-click and choose the hide option, or use the button located on the status bar to hide objects. You can also press Enter after selecting to confirm the action.

2. Managing Viewports
   If you need to remove a viewport frame, enter mview in the command line, select off, and choose the viewport you wish to turn off.

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FAQ

1. How can I modify an existing background mask?
To modify an existing background mask, select the text with the mask, access the format options, and adjust the settings in the Background Mask dialog as necessary.

2. Can I use a background mask for objects other than text?
Yes, many objects in AutoCAD can have wipeouts or background masks applied to them to enhance visibility, especially in complex drawings.

3. What happens if the mask is not visible?
If a mask is not appearing as expected, check the draw order of your objects to ensure it’s positioned correctly relative to other elements in your drawing.