Understanding Xclip in AutoCAD
Xclip is a powerful feature in AutoCAD that allows users to define a specific area of an external reference (xref), block, or image that they want to display. By creating a clipping boundary, you can conserve space and focus on the relevant parts of your design. This is particularly useful in complex drawings where only a portion of an image or xref is necessary for the task at hand. However, as projects evolve, it might be necessary to remove or adjust these clipping boundaries. Below is a detailed guide on how to erase or modify Xclip boundaries in AutoCAD 2025.
Steps to Delete Xclip in AutoCAD
To remove an Xclip boundary effectively, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Access the Command Line: Launch AutoCAD and open the drawing containing the xref or block whose clipping boundary you wish to delete.
- Invoke the XCLIP Command: Type XCLIP into the command line and press Enter.
- Select the Xref or Block: After invoking the command, click on the xref or block from which you want to remove the boundary.
- Choose the Delete Option: Once the object is selected, you will be prompted to choose an option. Select the Delete option from the command menu that appears.
- Confirm Deletion: Follow any additional prompts to confirm the removal of the Xclip boundary.
Restoring Original Object Extents
If your goal is to completely revert an object to its original extents without the clipping applied, use the following process:
- Access the XCLIP Command: Again, type XCLIP in the command line and hit Enter.
- Select the Appropriate Object: Click to select the xref or block you wish to restore.
- Select Restore Boundaries: From the command options, select the option to restore the object’s original extents, ensuring that the clip boundaries are entirely removed.
Hiding and Showing Boundaries
Sometimes, you may want to temporarily hide the image boundaries of an xref or block rather than delete them completely. Here’s how to toggle their visibility:
- Access the IMAGEFRAME Variable: Type IMAGEFRAME at the command line and press Enter.
- Set Visibility:
- Type 0 to hide image boundaries.
- Type 1 to show and plot image boundaries.
- Type 2 to show boundaries but not plot them.
FAQs
How can I create a new clipping boundary for an xref?
To create a new clipping boundary, use the XCLIP command, select the desired xref, and at the prompt, specify New Boundary. You can then select a polyline, or define a rectangular or polygonal boundary as required.
What if I accidentally delete the wrong xref boundary?
If you accidentally delete the wrong boundary, you can use the UNDO command to revert the last action. This will restore the boundary as it was before deletion.
Can I hide PDF boundaries like image boundaries?
Yes, PDF boundaries can be managed with the PDFFRAME variable. Similar to image boundaries, set this variable to 0 to hide the frames, 1 to display and plot, or 2 to show without plotting.
