How to Cut Image in AutoCAD?

Understanding Image Cutting in AutoCAD

Cutting an image in AutoCAD requires a systematic approach to ensure precision and clarity. The following steps outline how to effectively cut and manage images in AutoCAD 2025.

Steps to Cut an Image in AutoCAD

1. Select the Image:
   Begin by opening your AutoCAD 2025 project and locate the image you want to cut. Click on the image to select it.

2. Access the Picture Tools:
   Once the image is selected, navigate to the Picture Tools section. This can typically be found under the Format tab on the ribbon.

3. Choose the Crop Option:
   In the Picture Tools Format tab, look for the Crop button. Click on this option to transform the selection handles into cropping guides.

4. Adjust the Cropping Handles:
   Drag the cropping handles to adjust the visible area of the image. For precise cropping, holding down the Shift key while moving the handles maintains the aspect ratio.

5. Finalize the Crop:
   After adjusting the image to your satisfaction, press the Esc key to finalize the crop. This step eliminates the cropping overlay and retains the cropped image.

Clipping an Image in AutoCAD

1. Select the Image:
   Start by clicking on the image to highlight it.

2. Access the Crop Feature:
   From the ribbon, navigate to the Format tab and click Crop.

3. Crop Using the Mouse:
   Click and drag to create a rectangular area that represents the portion of the image you want to keep.

4. Complete the Clipping:
   With the desired area highlighted, click outside the selected area to complete the clipping process.

Cropping OLE Images in AutoCAD

1. Right-Click on the OLE Object:
   For OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) images, right-click on the object and select Properties.

2. Edit Width/Height:
   In the Properties palette, modify the Width or Height values to specify the new dimensions for cropping. Alternatively, you can scale the image by entering a percentage for Scale Width or Scale Height.

Custom Shapes and Masks

1. Select the Image:
   Choose the image you want to crop into a specific shape.

2. Access the Format Picture Tab:
   Click on the Format Picture tab, which appears when the image is selected.

3. Choose a Shape Mask:
   Under the Adjust section, find the dropdown next to Crop and select Mask to Shape. This presents various shape options.

4. Select the Desired Shape:
   Point to a shape and click to apply the mask, cutting the image into the desired form.

FAQs

1. How can I insert an image into AutoCAD?
   To insert an image, click the Insert tab, then go to the References panel and select Attach. Choose your image file and specify its placement settings as needed.

2. Can I modify the brightness and contrast of images in AutoCAD?
   Yes, you can adjust image properties such as brightness and contrast by selecting the image, navigating to the Modify menu, and choosing the Image options available there.

3. Is it possible to trace an image in AutoCAD?
   Yes, you can trace images by importing them using the Imageattach command and then using standard drawing tools to create lines, arcs, and splines over the imported image.