Understanding Clipping in AutoCAD
Clipping is a powerful function in AutoCAD that allows users to focus on specific areas of external references (Xrefs), images, or underlays by hiding the portions outside a defined boundary. This functionality can significantly streamline the drafting process by reducing visual clutter and enhancing presentation.
Steps to Clip an Xref in AutoCAD
1. Preparing Your Workspace
Before clipping, ensure that your Xref is properly attached to your drawing. If not attached, perform the following:
- Navigate to the Insert tab on the ribbon.
- Select Reference from the panel and choose Attach.
- Find and select your Xref file, then click Open.
2. Initiating the Clipping Command
Now that your Xref is ready, follow these steps to initiate clipping:
- Click on the External Reference tab located on the ribbon.
- From the Clipping panel, select Create Clipping Boundary.
3. Selecting the Xref
Once the clipping command is active, you need to select the Xref you wish to clip:
- Click on the Xref in your drawing, ensuring it highlights to confirm selection.
4. Specifying the Clipping Boundary
You’ll now need to define the boundary of the clip:
- Depending on your preference, select either a polygonal or rectangular boundary.
- For a polygonal boundary, click to place each vertex in succession, carefully outlining the area of interest. For a rectangular boundary, simply drag to define two corners.
5. Finalizing the Clipping
After specifying the boundary:
- If prompted, confirm that you wish to remove any existing clipping boundaries by typing Y for yes.
- Press
to finish the operation.
Your Xref will now only display the content within the specified clipping area.
Additional Clipping Options
AutoCAD also allows for setting visibility options for clipping boundaries. If you wish to turn clipping boundaries on or off:
- Select the Insert tab.
- Go to Clip Xref and choose the desired external references.
- After selection, pressing
gives you the option to toggle clipping boundaries.
Managing Clipping Boundaries
If you later decide to remove clipping boundaries or alter existing ones, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Modify menu, then select Clip Image.
- Choose the clipped image and enter d (Delete) to remove the current boundary, which restores the original view.
FAQs
1. Can I clip multiple Xrefs at once?
Yes, you can select multiple Xrefs by holding down the Shift or Ctrl key while clicking on each reference before executing the clipping command.
2. What happens if I need to adjust the clipping boundary after creating it?
You can modify existing clipping boundaries by selecting the clipped image and then using the Edit command on the clipping boundary.
3. Is it possible to undo a clipping action in AutoCAD?
Yes, if you make a mistake or change your mind about the clipping, you can simply use the
