AutoCAD

How to Remove Image Border in AutoCAD?

Understanding Image Borders in AutoCAD

When working with images in AutoCAD, you may find it necessary to remove borders or frames that are automatically applied to your image underlays. This can help streamline your designs and improve visual clarity. Follow the step-by-step guide below to effectively remove image borders in AutoCAD 2025.

Step 1: Open Your Drawing

Start by launching AutoCAD 2025 and opening the drawing that contains the image you want to edit. Ensure that the image is properly placed within your drawing space.

Step 2: Select the Image

Click on the image underlay within your drawing area. The image will become highlighted, indicating that it is selected.

Step 3: Access the Properties Panel

With the image selected, right-click anywhere on it. In the context menu that appears, find and select the “Properties” option. This will open the Properties panel, typically located on the right side of your workspace.

Step 4: Locate the PDF Frame Settings

In the Properties panel, look for the “PDF Frame” or similar settings related to the image. If your image is a PDF underlay, for example, these settings will be relevant.

Step 5: Adjust the PDF Frame Variable

To remove the border surrounding the PDF image, locate the “PDFFRAME” system variable. Confirm that it is set to “0”. This setting hides the border during everyday use while allowing it to reappear during selection or editing.

  1. Type PDFFRAME in the command prompt.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. Input 0 and hit Enter again.

This action hides the frame around the PDF, resulting in a cleaner appearance.

Step 6: Exit the Properties Panel

Once you confirm that the PDF frame is successfully hidden, you can close the Properties panel. Your image should now appear without any visible borders.

Step 7: Save Your Work

Always remember to save your modifications. Click the Save icon in the toolbar or use the shortcut Ctrl + S to ensure your work is not lost.

Additional Methods for Border Removal

If the image is not a PDF but a raster or other type of image format, ensure the image itself does not have built-in borders. If necessary, consider editing the image in an external editor to remove unwanted edges before re-importing it back into AutoCAD.

FAQs

1. Can I remove borders from images other than PDFs in AutoCAD?
Yes, while the PDFFRAME variable specifically applies to PDF underlays, you should ensure that images do not have built-in borders by editing them in an external program if needed.

2. How do I add a new image after removing the border?
To add a new image, navigate to the “Insert” tab, select “Attach,” and browse for the desired image file. Once selected, follow prompts to place it within your drawing.

3. What if I still see borders after adjusting the settings?
If borders remain visible, verify the properties of the selected image to ensure that no other settings are causing the frame to display. You may also need to check for layer visibility and ensure other settings in the Properties panel do not affect the image appearance.

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.