How to Do Clip Mask in AutoCAD

Understanding Clip Masks in AutoCAD

Clip masks are essential tools that allow you to obscure parts of a drawing, making your design clearer and more focused. To effectively create clip masks in AutoCAD, follow the comprehensive step-by-step guide below.

Enabling Background Masks for Text

1. Select and Edit Text: Begin by double-clicking the text object in your drawing. This will open the Text Editor contextual ribbon.
2. Background Mask Activation: Locate the Style panel and click on the Background Mask button.
3. Configure Mask Settings: In the Background Mask dialog box, check the box next to "Use background mask" to enable the feature.

Utilizing the Clip Command

1. Accessing the Command: Choose the appropriate reference underlay where you want to apply the clipping.
2. Set Boundary Options: If you want to see the entire XREF while modifying its boundary, select the “Off” option. This ensures that the boundary is visible for editing purposes.
3. Create a Clipping Boundary: Use a rectangular or polygonal shape to define the clipping area. If starting with a polyline, it must be closed, and segments should only be lines.

Making Clipping Boundaries Invisible

1. Modify Image Frame: Go to the Modify menu and select the Object option, then choose Image Frame.
2. Set Visibility Options: To hide the image boundaries, type 0. If you want them shown and plotted, type 1. To see them without plotting, use 2.

Masking Techniques in AutoCAD

1. Creating a Mask with Polyline: Use the command for masking by specifying points that outline the area to be masked. You can also press P to utilize an existing closed polyline.
2. Finalizing the Command: Press Enter to complete the masking command.

Hiding Clipping Boundaries in XREF

1. Select your XREF: Choose the external reference from your drawing.
2. New Clipping Boundary: At the command prompt, specify "New Boundary" by simply hitting Enter. Either pick a closed polyline or create a rectangular/polygonal boundary.
3. Invert Clip Option: Optionally, you can use the Invert Clip feature to change what is hidden versus visible.

Removing Clipping Boundaries

1. Access the Clip Command: Go to the Modify menu and select Clip Image.
2. Select the Clipped Image: Highlight the clipped image that has the boundary you want to eliminate.
3. Delete Boundary: Type D and hit Enter. The clipped boundary will be removed, reverting to the original image extents.

Employing the Wipeout Command

1. Activate WIPEOUT: Start the WIPEOUT command from the command line.
2. Select Area to Wipe: Choose a region by enclosing it with a polyline. This area will be hidden from the view.
3. Manage Frame Visibility: During the execution of the command, you can toggle frame visibility options between On and Off.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use the Clip command on images as well as external references?
Yes, the Clip command can be employed on both images and XREFs, allowing for versatile use.

Q2: How do I make sure my polyline is suitable for a mask?
The polyline must be closed, consist only of line segments, and have zero width for it to effectively function as a mask.

Q3: What happens if I accidentally delete a clipping boundary?
If you delete a clipping boundary, the corresponding image or reference will revert to its original dimensions, restoring everything that was hidden. You can always redefine the boundary if necessary.