AutoCAD

How to Wipeout Circle in AutoCAD

Understanding Wipeout in AutoCAD

Wipeout is a powerful command in AutoCAD that allows users to hide portions of their drawings. This feature can be especially useful when you want to obscure an area without deleting the underlying objects. If you’re specifically interested in creating a wipeout for a circle, follow these detailed steps.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wipeout a Circle in AutoCAD

Step 1: Create the Circle

  1. Activate the Circle command by typing CIRCLE into the command line and pressing Enter.
  2. Click to specify the center point of the circle and drag to define its radius.

Step 2: Create a Polygon

  1. Type POLYGON into the command line and hit Enter.
  2. When prompted to specify the number of sides, input 36. This creates a polygon that closely resembles a circle.
  3. Click again to place the polygon at the center point of the original circle, ensuring it has the same dimensions.

Step 3: Utilize the Wipeout Command

  1. Type WIPEOUT into the command line and press Enter.
  2. When prompted to select an object, choose the polygon you created.
  3. Confirm the action by selecting the Polyline option when requested, which means you want the wipeout area based on the polygon.

Step 4: Finalize Your Wipeout

  1. Complete the command by pressing Enter again once you have selected the polygon.
  2. The wipeout will now effectively hide the original circle beneath it, using the background color of your drawing space to mask it.

Tips for Managing Wipeout Objects

  • To see the wipeout frame during editing, enable it by selecting the frame option. This will make it easier to adjust the wipeout’s position if needed.
  • If you want to turn off the wipeout frame for printing or plotting, ensure you check the frame settings in the command bar when activating the wipeout command.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I edit a wipeout after it’s created?

Yes, you can select the wipeout object and use the grips to resize or move it around as needed.

2. What happens if my wipeout area overlaps with other objects?

Wipeouts will mask any objects underneath them within the defined area. If there are overlapping objects, they will not be visible in the final output.

3. Are there any limitations to the wipeout command?

Wipeouts can only be created using closed shapes, such as polygons or polylines. Open paths or lines will not function for this command.

By following these outlined steps, you should have a clear understanding of how to effectively create a wipeout for a circle in AutoCAD, as well as tips for managing and applying the wipeout features.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.