How to Use Xclip in AutoCAD?

Understanding Xclip in AutoCAD

The Xclip command in AutoCAD serves as a powerful tool for cropping external references (Xrefs) and blocks, allowing users to focus on particular areas within their designs. With Xclip, you can define specific boundaries, utilizing either rectangles or polylines for enhanced precision and clarity in your project.

Creating an Xclip Boundary

Step 1: Initiate the Xclip Command

• Begin by typing XCLIP in the command line and hit Enter.

Step 2: Select the Xref

• Choose the Xref you wish to clip from your drawing. After selecting it, press Enter.

Step 3: Define the New Boundary

• When prompted, type N and press Enter to indicate you want to create a new boundary.

Step 4: Specify the Boundary Shape

• You will be given options to either select an existing polyline or create a new rectangular or polygonal boundary. Choose your desired option and define the boundary accordingly. A polyline is often preferred for intricate shapes, while rectangles are convenient for simpler designs.

Modifying Xclip Boundaries

Access the Modify Menu

• To change an existing Xclip boundary, navigate to the Modify menu then select Clip and choose Xref.

Selection and New Boundary Setup

• Identify the Xref in question. When prompted, press Enter for the option to specify a New Boundary. Follow the same steps as earlier to set your preferred boundary shape.

Hiding Xclip Boundaries

Sometimes, you may wish to obscure the clipped boundaries for better visual clarity.

Utilizing Image Frame Settings

1. Access the Modify menu and look for Object followed by Image Frame.
2. Input 0 to hide the image boundaries. To view and plot image boundaries, enter 1. For viewing boundaries without plotting, enter 2.

Creating and Editing Polylines for Xclip

Generating a New Polyline

1. During the Xclip command, you can create a new polyline if desired.
2. After defining the boundary, exit the Xclip.
3. Use the PEdit command to make necessary adjustments to the polyline.
4. Restart the Xclip, selecting the boundary you just modified to finalize your changes.

Additional Operations with Xclip

Inversion of Clipping Areas

To show everything outside the clipping area, invert the Xclip:

1. Go to the Raster menu and select Cleanup, then choose Invert.
2. Select the image(s) you want to invert and press Enter. Confirm your selection to complete the process.

Managing Multiple Xclips

If you aim to clip various parts of an Xref:

1. Initially create an Xclip around your desired area.
2. Copy the clipped Xref to a new location.
3. Click on the copied Xref and redefine the boundary as needed, repeating the clipping procedure for other areas as required.

Cropping AutoCAD Drawings

To crop within an AutoCAD drawing:

1. Unlock the drawing by right-clicking it, navigating to CAD Drawing Object, and selecting Properties.
2. Choose Crop Tool from the right-click context menu.
3. Adjust the selection handles as necessary, and then switch back to the Pointer Tool once done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I clip a block using Xclip?
No, Xclip is not directly applicable to blocks. To edit or cut objects within a block, it must be accessed through the Block Editor or edited in-place.

Q2: How can I hide the clipping boundary of a PDF reference?
Right-click in the drawing area, select Clip PDF, and choose On to enable clipping to display only within the boundary, or Off to show the full PDF underlay.

Q3: What happens if I delete an Xclip boundary?
Deleting an Xclip boundary removes the clipping effect entirely. If you want to temporarily hide it, use the Off option instead of deleting.