How to Reverse Wipeout in AutoCAD?

Understanding Wipeout in AutoCAD

Wipeout is a useful command in AutoCAD that allows users to hide certain portions of their drawings, essentially creating a blank area or masking unwanted elements. This can be especially helpful when focusing on specific drawing details without visual distractions. However, sometimes you might need to undo or reverse a wipeout, and this guide provides detailed steps on how to do so in AutoCAD 2025.

Steps to Reverse a Wipeout in AutoCAD

1. Activate the Command
   Open your AutoCAD drawing where the wipeout is located. To reverse a wipeout, you’ll start by initiating the Wipeout command. This can generally be done by typing WI into the command line and pressing Enter.

2. Select the Wipeout Object
   After entering the command, click on the wipeout object you wish to reverse. Ensure you’ve accurately highlighted the right wipeout boundary, as multiple elements may exist in your drawing.

3. Adjust Visibility Settings
   If you cannot see the results immediately, toggle the display of wipeout frames by entering F to enable frames, then pressing O to switch them on. This action will allow you to visualize the wipeouts in your drawing.

4. Erase the Wipeout
   Once the wipeout frame is visible, you can easily select and delete it as needed. To clear the selected wipeout, simply press the Delete key or enter ERASE in the command line followed by the object selection.

5. Turn Off Frames
   After you’ve completed the adjustment, it is advisable to turn off the wipeout frames to maintain the clarity of your drawing. Re-enter the command F and select OFF to hide the frames.

Additional Techniques Related to Wipeouts

Creating a Wipeout

• Initiate Wipeout: Start by typing WI and pressing Enter.
• Define the Boundary: Use your cursor to outline the area you want to wipe out.
• Finalize the Command: Press Enter to complete the wipeout creation.

Removing a Wipeout Boundary

1. Select Wipeout Boundary: Click on the boundary line or area.
2. Use the Command: Type WI and choose the Polyline option to remove the boundary.
3. Delete Confirmation: When prompted, choose “Yes” to confirm the deletion of the boundary if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I undo the wipeout action after erasing it?
No, once you delete a wipeout in AutoCAD, it cannot be undone unless you’ve saved a previous version of your drawing that contains the wipeout.

2. How can I make sure my wipeout doesn’t print?
To ensure that wipeouts do not print, you can control their visibility settings by setting the "Print Frame" option to off in the plot settings.

3. Is it possible to create a circular wipeout?
Yes, you can create a circular wipeout by drawing a polygon with a higher number of sides (e.g., 36) to simulate a circle before using the wipeout command on it.