How Do You Clip An Xref In AutoCAD?

Understanding the Clip Command in AutoCAD

The Clip command in AutoCAD serves as a useful tool for managing visibility within drawings. Primarily, it allows users to define a clipping boundary that determines which parts of an image, underlay, viewport, or external reference will be displayed. This capability is particularly beneficial when working with complex designs where clarity is essential.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clipping an Xref in AutoCAD

1. Open the External References Manager:
   Launch AutoCAD and open your drawing. Navigate to the External References (Xref) Manager by typing XREF in the command line or accessing it from the Insert tab.

2. Select Your Xref:
   In the Xref palette, you will see a list of attached external references. Click on the specific Xref you intend to clip. Ensure that it is properly loaded and visible in your drawing.

3. Initiate the Clip Command:
   With the desired Xref selected, go to the Modify menu. Click on Clip and then choose the option for Xref. This action will prompt you to specify a new boundary.

4. Define the Clipping Boundary:
   You can specify your desired clipping boundary in one of two ways:

   • Using a Polyline: Select a polyline already present in your drawing as the boundary for clipping.
   • Creating a New Boundary: Alternatively, you can draw a rectangular or polygonal shape directly to serve as the clipping boundary. Use the appropriate drawing tools to create the boundary.

5. Finalize the Clipping Process:
   Once the boundary has been defined, press Enter to complete the clipping. AutoCAD will then update the view to reflect the new clipping boundaries, hiding all parts of the Xref outside of the designated area.

6. Adjust Visibility Settings:
   To control whether the clipping boundary itself is visible, adjust the FRAME system variable. Type FRAME in the command line and set its value to 0 to hide the boundary or to 1 to show it.

Tips for Effective Clipping

• Plan Your Clipping Boundary: Before creating the clipping area, consider how much of the Xref you truly need. This can help avoid clutter in your drawing and improve overall visibility.
• Use Layers Wisely: If applicable, place your Xref on a separate layer. This will allow for easier management and visibility control as you work.
• Experiment with Different Boundaries: Don’t hesitate to try different boundary shapes (rectangular vs. polygonal) to see which one enhances the clarity of your design best.

FAQs

1. Can I revert a clipped Xref back to its original state?
Yes, you can remove the clipping from an Xref. To do this, select the clipped Xref and choose the Remove Clipping option from the Clipping panel in the External Reference tab.

2. Is it possible to clip multiple Xrefs at once?
Currently, AutoCAD does not support clipping multiple Xrefs simultaneously through a single command. You will need to clip each Xref individually.

3. What happens to the original Xref after clipping?
Clipping an Xref does not alter the original file; it merely changes the visibility in your current drawing. The full external reference remains intact and unaffected.