How to Use Xclip Command in AutoCAD

Understanding the Xclip Command in AutoCAD

The Xclip command is a powerful tool in AutoCAD that allows users to define specific areas of an external reference (Xref) or block, effectively cropping the displayed content. This command enhances clarity in drawings by allowing only relevant parts of objects to be shown.

Steps to Create an Xclip

1. Initiate the XCLIP Command
   Begin by typing XCLIP into the command line and press Enter. This activates the Xclip feature.

2. Select the Xref
   Click on the external reference (Xref) you wish to clip. This is the object that will be manipulated to display only the desired portion.

3. Define a New Boundary
   When prompted, type ‘N’ and press Enter to establish a new clipping boundary.

4. Choose Boundary Options
   You will be presented with options to create the boundary. You can either choose an existing polyline or draw a new boundary using the rectangle or polygon options. To use an existing polyline, select “Select polyline.”

5. Finalize the Boundary
   Once you’ve selected or created your boundary, ensure to confirm your selection to apply the clipping.

Editing an Xclip

1. Access the Modify Menu
   Go to the Modify menu, navigate to ‘Clip,’ and select ‘Xref.’

2. Choose the Xref
   Click on the Xref that you previously clipped. The command line will prompt you to specify a new boundary.

3. Select a New Boundary
   You can either pick an existing polyline or create a new boundary shaped as desired, such as a rectangle or polygon.

4. Complete the Edit
   Confirm your new boundary to apply the changes.

Clipping a Block

1. Start the XCLIP Command
   Invoke the command by typing XCLIP in the command line or through the Modify menu.

2. Select the Block
   Click on the block you want to clip and adhere to the prompts to designate a new boundary as per your requirements.

Clipping an Image

1. Activate the IMAGECLIP Command
   Enter IMAGECLIP in the command prompt.

2. Select the Image
   Click on the image to which you want to apply a crop.

3. Define New Boundary
   When prompted, input ‘n’ for a new boundary. You will then choose whether to delete the old boundary.

4. Set Boundary Shape
   Choose either ‘p’ for polygonal or ‘r’ for rectangular clipping and proceed to define your boundary.

Hiding Xclip Boundaries

1. Modify Image Frame Settings
   Access the Modify menu and navigate to Object, then find Image Frame.

2. Adjust Visibility
   Input ‘0’ to hide the image boundaries, ‘1’ to show and plot them, or ‘2’ to show them but not include them in plots.

Creating Multiple Xclips

1. Initial Clipping
   Perform a standard Xclip around the desired part of your Xref.

2. Copy the Clipped Xref
   Duplicate the clipped Xref and place it in the desired location.

3. Select the Copied Xref
   Click on the duplicated Xref to modify.

4. Define New Clipping Area
   Use the pickboxes to outline the new area you want to clip.

5. Repeat Process
   Continue these steps as necessary to create more clipped Xrefs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of boundaries can be defined using Xclip?
   You can define boundaries using existing polylines, rectangles, or polygons based on your design requirements.

2. Can I revert to the original view after using Xclip?
   Yes, you can modify or remove the clip at any time using the Modify menu and selecting ‘Clip’ again.

3. Is the Xclip command available in AutoCAD 2025 only?
   The Xclip command is available in multiple versions of AutoCAD, but features may vary. It’s advisable to check the help resources specific to AutoCAD 2025 for any updates.