How to Use Wipeout Command in AutoCAD

Understanding the Wipeout Command in AutoCAD

The Wipeout command in AutoCAD serves as a powerful tool for masking areas in your drawing, allowing clarity in presentations and layouts. This command creates a polygonal shape that covers underlying elements, effectively “wiping out” their visibility based on the background color.

What is a Wipeout Object?

A wipeout object is a masked area defined by a polygon shape that obscures any objects situated behind it. The area that is wiped out appears as if it is filled with the current drawing background color. This object is particularly useful in creating overlays or simplifying views without permanently altering the existing elements within your drawing.

Adding a Wipeout to a Block

1. Access the Block Editor: Begin by selecting the block reference you wish to edit. Right-click and choose ‘Block Editor’ to open it.

2. Draw the Wipeout:

   • Activate the command by typing WIPEOUT in the command line and pressing Enter.
   • Draw the wipeout shape to cover the desired section, typically around the keynote area.

3. Adjust Display Order:

   • After creating the wipeout shape, select it.
   • Right-click, navigate to Basic Modify Tools, then choose Display Order, and finally select ‘Send to Back’. This ensures the wipeout is positioned correctly in relation to the block.

4. Save Changes: Exit the Block Editor and save your changes to apply the wipeout.

Masking Text with Wipeout

To mask text using the wipeout command:

1. Activate the Wipeout Command: Type WIPEOUT in the command line and press Enter.

2. Choose Offset: Select the offset option from the command line to set your wipeout boundaries.

3. Toggle Frame Visibility: Use the WIPEOUTFRAME system variable to manage the visibility of the wipeout frame. Set it to 1 to display the frame or 0 to hide it.

Creating a Wipeout from a Polyline

1. Access the Rain Menu: Choose the Wipeout tool in the Draw menu or on the toolbar. You can also type WIPEOUT in the command line and hit Enter.

2. Select Points for Wipeout: Define the vertices of the polygon shape directly by clicking in the drawing area.

3. End the Command: Press Enter to complete the command once you’ve defined your desired shape.

Hiding the Wipeout Boundary

To hide the boundary of a wipeout object:

1. Utilize the Command Line Options: When executing the WIPEOUT command, be mindful of the frame setting. Change the frame settings to ‘Off’ to hide the wipeout boundaries, ensuring a cleaner look in your presentation.

Masking a Block with a Wipeout

1. Select the Block: Choose the block you intend to mask.

2. Access Mask Block Modify Panel: Click on the Mask Block Reference tab and navigate to the Modify panel.

3. Attach Objects: Select ‘Attach Objects’, then specify the area or object that needs masking.

4. Select Representation: From the available display representations, choose the preferred one and click OK to finalize.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can I modify the appearance of a wipeout object after it is created?
You can adjust the wipeout object by entering the Wipeout Editor, where you can reshape or resize the mask as needed. You can also modify the wipeout frame visibility using the WIPEOUTFRAME variable.

2. Can I use the Wipeout command with circles?
Yes, you can create a circle-like effect using the wipeout command by drawing a polyline with many sides (e.g., 36 sides) that approximates a circle.

3. Will a wipeout object print in my drawings?
By default, the wipeout frame is not printed when set to off, but you must ensure that the frame visibility is toggled accordingly before plotting your drawing.