How to Do Xclip in AutoCAD?

Understanding Xclip in AutoCAD

Xclip is a powerful feature in AutoCAD that allows users to create defined clipping boundaries on external references (Xrefs). This tool is essential for focusing attention on specific areas of a drawing by hiding unnecessary parts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create an Xclip

1. Activate Xclip Command: Enter XCLIP into the command line or find the Xclip option in the Modify menu.

2. Select the External Reference: Choose the Xref that you wish to clip. This could be an image, a PDF underlay, or another drawing.

3. New Boundary Creation: When prompted, type N to create a New Boundary.

4. Choose Boundary Option: After the prompt, you will be given options for defining the boundary. The available options typically include:

   • Select Polyline: Use an existing polyline to define the new boundary.
   • Rectangular or Polygonal Boundary: Specify whether you want to create a rectangular or polygonal clipping area.

5. Define the Boundary: If you selected the polyline option, pick the polyline that will serve as the clipping boundary. If opting for a rectangular or polygonal boundary, click your mouse to define the corners accordingly.

6. Finalize the Clipping: Once the boundary is set, press Enter to complete the operation and apply the Xclip.

Editing Xclip in AutoCAD

1. Access the Modify Menu: Go to the Modify menu, then navigate to Clip and select Xref.

2. Select Xref to Edit: Click on the xref that you want to modify.

3. Define New Boundary: At the command prompt, type N for New Boundary.

4. Choose New Boundary Option: You’ll be prompted to either select a polyline or define a new rectangular/polygonal boundary.

5. Complete the Changes: Follow the prompts to set the new clipping boundary and confirm the changes.

Utilizing Xrefs with AutoCAD

1. Attach an Xref: Go to the Insert tab, find the Reference panel, and select Attach to begin.

2. Find the Reference File: In the dialog box that opens, navigate to select the desired file, then click Open.

3. Attachment Settings: In the Attach External Reference dialog, choose Attachment as the reference type. Set parameters such as insertion point, scale, and rotation.

4. Confirm Attachment: Click OK to finalize the attachment, making the xref available in your drawing.

Undoing an Xclip

1. Modify Menu Access: Click the Modify menu and navigate to Clip Image.

2. Select the Clipped Image: Click the image that you have previously clipped.

3. New Boundary Prompt: Enter N to initiate creating a new boundary.

4. Delete Old Boundary: When prompted, choose whether to delete the old boundary by typing Y for Yes or N for No.

5. Draw New Boundary: Define the new clipping area based on your specifications.

Removing Clipping Boundaries

1. Go to Modify Menu: Click on the Modify menu, then choose Clip Image.

2. Select the Suitable Image: Click on the clipped image to which you want to remove the boundary.

3. Delete Boundary Command: Type D to initiate the delete command for the boundary.

FAQ

Can I create multiple Xclips for a single Xref?
Yes, you can create multiple Xclips by first clipping the initial area, then copying the clipped Xref, and repeating the clipping process for the new desired area.

Is it possible to trim objects within an Xref?
Trimming objects within an Xref is not directly possible. You must edit the Xref in the relevant drawing or utilize the Block Editor for modifications.

How do I hide the clipping boundary lines in AutoCAD?
To hide clipping boundary lines, access the Modify menu, select Object Image Frame, and then set the visibility to 0 to hide boundaries.