How to Use Hide Command in AutoCAD?

Understanding the Hide Command in AutoCAD

The Hide command in AutoCAD is a useful tool for enhancing the visualization of 3D models by eliminating unnecessary details. This function allows users to suppress the display of certain features, enabling a clearer view of the desired elements in a drawing.

What Does the Hide Command Do?

The Hide command, when activated, conceals the surface facets of 3D solid and surface objects, allowing you to view only the silhouette edges of these elements. It’s particularly useful when working with complex models, as it allows for a more streamlined view, focusing only on the essential outlines. However, it’s important to note that this command does not affect 3D mesh objects.

Enabling the Hide Command

1. Access the Command Line: Open your AutoCAD workspace and locate the command line, usually situated at the bottom of the interface.
2. Type the Command: Enter the command HIDE and press Enter.
3. View Adjustments: The drawing area will update, showing only the silhouette edges of your solid and surface objects while hiding the facets.

Using the Hide Command with Parameters

1. Adjusting Visibility Settings: If the DISPSILH system variable is set to "on," HIDE will function as described. To check this setting, type DISPSILH in the command line and ensure it is set to "1" (enabled).
2. Hiding Specific Objects: If you want to hide selected objects, use the command HIDESELECTED. Select the objects you wish to hide in the viewport, right-click, and press Enter.

Hiding Text in AutoCAD

To manage text visibility effectively, follow these steps:

1. Access Options: Right-click within the drawing area and select "Options."
2. Display Tab: Navigate to the Display tab, find the section for Display Performance, and toggle the "Show Text Boundary Frame Only" setting.
3. Regenerate the Drawing: Type REGEN in the command line and press Enter to refresh the display.

Hiding Layers in AutoCAD

Layers are frequently used to organize drawings. To hide a layer:

1. Open Layer Properties: Click on the "Home" tab, then navigate to the "Layers" panel and select "Layer Properties."
2. Select and Hide: Identify the layers you wish to hide and click the icon in the "On" column to toggle them off.

Managing Viewports

Hiding objects in a viewport requires a slightly different approach:

1. Select Objects: Within the viewport, either click the “Hide All but Selected Objects in Viewport” button or type HIDESELECTEDINVP in the command line and press Enter.
2. Confirm Selection: Highlight the objects you want to hide, then right-click or press Enter to execute.

Troubleshooting Visibility Issues

If certain text or objects are not displaying correctly, consider these steps:

1. Reset Custom Settings: If you notice missing text or objects, reset your AutoCAD settings through the Preferences menu.
2. Check Hidden Messages: Ensure that warnings about missing fonts or other relevant messages are enabled in the Hidden Messages Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I quickly toggle the command line on and off?

You can quickly hide or show the command line by pressing Ctrl + 9 (or Cmd + 3 on a Mac). This allows you to manage screen space efficiently.

2. What should I do if I cannot see hidden elements after using the Hide command?

To restore visibility, right-click in the drawing area, select “Isolate,” and then choose “End Object Isolation” to bring back all previously hidden elements.

3. Is there a way to hide a specific viewport layer without affecting others?

Yes, you can use the Layer Manager within your desired layout tab. After selecting the viewport, turn off the VP Freeze option for the layer you wish to hide without altering the visibility of layers in other viewports.