How to Create Multiple Clipping Boundary in AutoCAD?

Creating Multiple Clipping Boundaries in AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Clipping in AutoCAD

Clipping in AutoCAD involves creating boundaries that determine what sections of external references (Xrefs) or images are visible within your drawing. This allows for a cleaner presentation of your project while focusing on the most relevant portions of your design.

Steps to Create Multiple Clipping Boundaries

Step 1: Initial Clipping of Your Xref

1. Select the Xref: Click on the external reference you want to modify.
2. Create the First Clip: Navigate to the "External Reference" tab, follow to the "Clipping" panel, and choose "Create Clipping Boundary."
3. Define the Boundary Shape: You will be prompted to select a polyline or a rectangular/polygonal shape. Draw the boundary around the area you wish to clip.

Step 2: Duplicate the Clipped Xref

1. Copy the Clipped Xref: Use the COPY command or right-click and select "Copy" to duplicate the Xref you just clipped.
2. Position the Duplicate: Move this new clipped Xref to the location where you want an additional clipping boundary.

Step 3: Define New Clipping Areas

1. Select the Copied Xref: Click on the new copy of your clipped Xref.
2. Create New Clipping Boundary: Just like in Step 1, access the "Clipping" panel again and choose "Create Clipping Boundary."
3. Draw the New Boundary: Specify the corners or vertices for the second boundary that reflects a different section of the same or another Xref.

Step 4: Repeat for Additional Boundaries

1. Continue Duplication: Each time you need a new boundary, copy the last modified Xref and repeat the boundary creation process.
2. Adjust Each Clip: Make sure that each new boundary serves its distinct purpose and segment of your overall drawing.

Hiding and Managing Boundaries

Making Clipping Boundaries Invisible

If you need to hide the clipping boundaries for a cleaner view:

1. Select the Xref: Choose the Xref with the clipping boundary.
2. Access Clipping Options: Right-click and find options related to clipping, or you can enter commands directly in the command line to adjust visibility.
3. Choose Invisibility: Set the boundary to "Invisible" using the appropriate command, allowing only the visible elements to be displayed.

FAQ

1. Can I create a clipping boundary around an image in AutoCAD?
Yes, the process is similar. Use the IMAGECLIP command to select the image and define your clipping boundary as either rectangular or polygonal.

2. How can I remove a clipping boundary later?
You can delete a clipping boundary by selecting the clipped object, accessing the modify options, and choosing to delete the boundary. The original object will be restored.

3. Is it possible to bind clipped Xrefs into a single drawing?
Yes, you can bind your Xrefs after clipping them. Simply select the Xref, right-click, and choose the "Bind" option from the context menu, consolidating it into your primary drawing.