AutoCAD

How to Crop a Region in AutoCAD?

Step-by-Step Guide to Cropping a Region in AutoCAD

Choosing the Correct Viewport

To begin your cropping process, ensure you have the desired viewport selected within your AutoCAD workspace. This is essential as it determines which section of your drawing you want to crop. If you have multiple viewports, click on the one you wish to modify.

Accessing Crop Options

Next, navigate to the top menu and select the “Modify” tab, where you will find the option to edit viewports. Within this menu, look for “Edit Viewport” and click on it to unlock additional cropping features.

Initiating the Crop Command

Once you are in the edit mode for the viewport, locate and click on the “Crop” button. This will activate the cropping tool, allowing you to outline the specific area you want to keep in view. Confirm that you are ready to proceed by clicking “OK” when prompted.

Selecting the Crop Shape

You will now need to define the area to be cropped. At the command prompt, you’ll be presented with several options. You can select a shape that best fits your needs:

  • s (Select Polyline): Allows you to draw a custom polygon around the area you want to keep.
  • p (Polygonal): Choose this option if you prefer to create an irregular shape.
  • r (Rectangular): Select this for a straightforward, rectangular crop.
  • i (Invert Clip): This command enables you to crop the outer area instead of the selected region.

After choosing your desired shape, draw the boundary by clicking on the drawing area to create the outline.

Finalizing the Crop

After you have drawn the boundary, review it to ensure it encompasses the desired area accurately. Once satisfied, press “Enter” to complete the cropping process. This will permanently remove any portions of the image outside of the defined boundary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit the crop boundary later?

Yes, you can adjust the crop boundary at any time by selecting the cropped viewport and re-entering the edit mode to modify the shape or dimensions.

Will cropping affect the original image size in AutoCAD?

No, cropping a viewport in AutoCAD does not alter the actual image file. It only changes what is visible within the specified viewport boundaries.

Can I undo the cropping if I change my mind?

Absolutely. If you’re not satisfied with the crop, you can easily undo the action by using the “Undo” command or by pressing Ctrl + Z. This will revert the viewport back to its original state.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.