AutoCAD

How to Hide Objects in Viewport AutoCAD?

Understanding the Viewport in AutoCAD

Before delving into the methods for hiding objects in a viewport in AutoCAD, it’s essential to grasp the function of viewports within the software. Viewports are individual windows onto your drawing, allowing you to display different views or scales of the same model. This flexibility enables users to tailor their workspace effectively, providing clarity and focus on specific aspects of a design.

Steps to Hide Objects in a Viewport

To hide objects within a viewport in AutoCAD, follow these detailed steps:

1. Activate the Desired Viewport

Begin by selecting the viewport you wish to work on. Double-click inside it to activate, which allows you to perform modifications specific to that area.

2. Utilize the Hide Command

You have two options for utilizing the hide function within the viewport:

  • Using the Tool Icon:
    Locate the “Hide All But Selected Objects In Viewport” icon on the toolbar. Clicking this will trigger the command to hide everything except for the object you will select next.

  • Using the Command Line:
    Alternatively, you can type HIDESELECTEDINVP at the command line. Press Enter to move to the next step.

3. Choose the Objects to Hide

With the viewport activated, proceed to select the objects you want to keep visible. Click on these items; they should be highlighted.

4. Finalize the Selection**

Once you have selected the desired objects, right-click within the viewport or hit Enter. The unselected objects will now be hidden from view, allowing you to focus on the items you need.

Additional Methods for Managing Visibility in Viewports

If you are looking to enhance your visibility management, AutoCAD provides various additional methods:

Layer Management

Hide specific layers rather than individual objects for broader control:

  1. Click on the viewport to make it current.
  2. Type LAYER into the command line to access the Layer Properties Manager.
  3. Identify the layer you wish to hide and toggle off the viewport freeze by clicking on the appropriate icon.

Using the Isolate Command

For isolating particular items within a viewport:

  1. Navigate to the CADmep toolbar.
  2. Click on the “Isolate Selected Objects in Viewport” icon, which will allow you to select the items you want to remain visible while hiding others.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I hide multiple objects simultaneously in a viewport?

Yes, you can select multiple objects by holding down the Shift key while clicking on each one. Once you have selected all needed items, right-click or press Enter to hide the rest.

2. Will hidden objects still plot or appear in my drawings?

No, objects hidden within the viewport will not display in your plots or printed drawings. This feature is particularly useful for focusing on specific design aspects.

3. How do I make hidden objects visible again?

To restore visibility of hidden objects, either re-select them using the same command or use the "Unisolate" feature to bring back all hidden items within the viewport.

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.