Understanding Clipping in AutoCAD
Clipping in AutoCAD allows you to control the visibility of images, underlays, external references (XREFs), and viewports. The technique involves creating a boundary that defines the portion of the object to be displayed, while hiding the rest. This is particularly useful for presenting clean and professional drawings by decluttering unnecessary details.
Steps to Clip an Image in AutoCAD
1. **Access the Modify Menu**: Begin by navigating to the Modify menu in your AutoCAD workspace. Look for the option labeled “Clip Image.”
2. **Select the Image**: Click on the image that you wish to clip. Ensure you click accurately on the image boundary to select it.
3. **Initiate a New Boundary**: Upon being prompted at the command line, input the letter ‘n’ for New Boundary.
4. **Choose Boundary Type**: Decide on the type of boundary you wish to create. Input ‘p’ for a polygonal boundary or ‘r’ for a rectangular one, and then proceed to define the boundary shape directly over the image.
5. **Finalize the Boundary**: After achieving the desired shape, press Enter to complete the clipping operation.
Making a Clipping Boundary Invisible
To prevent clipping boundaries from being displayed in your drawing:
1. **Open the Modify Menu**: Access the Modify menu again and select “Object,” followed by “Image Frame.”
2. **Control Boundary Visibility**: At the prompt, enter a value based on your needs:
– Enter ‘0’ to completely hide image boundaries.
– Enter ‘1’ to show and include them in plotting.
– Enter ‘2’ to display them while excluding them from prints.
Creating a Clipping Mask
A clipping mask hides portions of an area, allowing for cleaner visual presentation.
1. **Navigate to the Annotate Tab**: Go to the Annotate tab in the Ribbon. From there, locate the Markup panel and select “Wipeout.”
2. **Define Perimeter Points**: Click to specify a series of points that outline the area you intend to mask. Alternatively, you can enter ‘p’ and select an existing polyline, making sure it’s closed and has line segments only.
3. **Complete the Command**: Press Enter once you’ve outlined the area adequately.
Clipping in External References (XREFs)
If you want to clip an xref to display only certain portions:
1. **Select the XREF**: Click on the external reference you want to clip.
2. **Navigate to Clipping Panel**: Go to the External Reference tab, and on the Clipping panel, choose “Create Clipping Boundary.”
3. **Delete Existing Boundaries If Required**: If prompted, confirm that you’d like to eliminate any existing boundaries for the xref.
4. **Specify the New Boundary**: Select a polyline or define a rectangular or polygonal boundary to create your clipping area.
Hiding Clipping Boundaries
To hide the clipping boundary of an xref:
1. **Access the Insert Tab**: Click on the Insert tab, then navigate to “Clip Xref” within the Reference options.
2. **Select External References**: Choose the desired xref from the options presented.
3. **Toggle Clipping Boundary Visibility**: Decide whether to turn off the clipping boundaries by selecting “Off” or turn them back on by selecting “On.”
4. **Finalize Your Choice**: Press Enter to apply any changes.
Removing a Clipping Boundary
To completely erase a clipping boundary:
1. **Open the Modify Menu**: Head to the Modify menu and select “Clip Image.”
2. **Choose the Clipped Image**: Click on the image whose boundary you wish to delete.
3. **Delete the Boundary**: At the command prompt, input ‘d’ for Delete. As a result, the clipping boundary will disappear, revealing the original image boundary.
Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Can I clip a block in AutoCAD?**
Yes, you can clip a block by using the XCLIP command. Activate it from the command line or through the Modify menu, select the block, and follow the prompts to set a new clipping boundary.
**2. What is an XREF in AutoCAD?**
XREF stands for “external reference.” It allows you to attach external files, such as drawings, PDFs, images, or even point cloud data, to your Active drawing, aiding in creating more complex designs without cluttering the main file.
**3. How do I edit XCLIP boundaries in AutoCAD?**
To edit XCLIP boundaries, access the Modify menu, select “Clip,” then choose “Xref.” Select your target xref and specify the New Boundary to create a modified clipping area.
