How To Use Xclip AutoCAD?

Understanding the Xclip Command in AutoCAD

Xclip is a powerful command in AutoCAD that allows users to define a clipping boundary for external references (Xrefs) or blocks. This facilitates better control over the visibility of various drawing elements, enabling users to focus on specific sections of their designs without being distracted by surrounding content.

Initiating the Xclip Command

To initiate the Xclip command in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

1. Type XCLIP into the command line and press Enter.
2. When prompted, select the object you wish to clip (this can be either an external reference or a block).
3. After selection, you’ll have options for creating a new boundary or modifying an existing one.

Creating a New Clipping Boundary

If you need to create a new clipping boundary, here’s how to do it:

1. Enter XCLIP again at the command line.
2. Select the Xref or block that you wish to clip.
3. When prompted for the new boundary, type N and hit Enter.
4. Choose how you want to define the clipping boundary by selecting a polyline, or by indicating a rectangular or polygonal shape.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the boundary selection process.

Modifying an Existing Xclip

To modify an already defined Xclip:

1. Navigate to the Modify menu and select Clip, then Xref.
2. After selecting the appropriate Xref, press Enter to specify a new boundary.
3. Choose the type of boundary you wish to create or modify.
4. Proceed with selecting an existing polyline or creating a new boundary as instructed.

Hiding and Deleting Xclip Boundaries

If you need to hide or remove a clipping boundary:

1. Access the Modify menu and select Clip Image.
2. Click on the clipped image whose boundary you want to alter.
3. To delete the boundary, type D for Delete and press Enter. This will restore the image to its original boundary.

Creating Multiple Clipping Areas

To create multiple clipping areas within your Xref, follow these steps:

1. Start by drawing an Xclip around the desired area of your Xref.
2. Copy the previously clipped Xref to another location within your drawing.
3. Click on the copied Xref and drag the boundary handles to establish a new clipping area.
4. Repeat these steps as necessary for additional clipping areas by adjusting the existing copies.

Utilizing Polylines for Xclip Boundaries

For advanced users wanting to create more customized boundaries with polylines:

1. Generate a polyline that outlines your desired clip shape.
2. Exit the Xclip command after drawing the polyline.
3. Use the PEdit command to make any modifications to the polyline if needed.
4. Restart the Xclip command and select the polyline option to turn your drawn shape back into a clipping boundary.

FAQs

1. Can I adjust the visibility of Xclip boundaries?
Yes, you can manage the visibility of Xclip boundaries by going to the Modify menu, selecting Object, and then Image Frame. Inputting 0 will hide frames; 1 will show frames and allow them to be plotted, while 2 shows frames but prevents them from being plotted.

2. What should I do if my Xref layers are not displaying correctly?
Ensure that the Visretain system variable is set to 1, which retains Xref layer settings. If you continue to face issues, check for possible corruption in the settings and consider resetting the variable or troubleshooting the layers.

3. How does the BIND command differ from the INSERT command in AutoCAD?
The BIND command converts Xref objects into block references, while INSERT similarly converts them but merges named object definitions directly into the current drawing without adding prefixes. Each command has its use case, depending on how you wish to handle your drawing elements.