AutoCAD

Wipeout Frame Visibility | TutoCAD

Wipeout Frame Visibility | TutoCAD
Wei Zhang
Written by Wei Zhang

Understanding Wipeout Frame Visibility in AutoCAD

What is Wipeout?

Wipeouts are powerful tools within AutoCAD that allow users to hide portions of their drawings. Essentially, they create a temporary blank area that conceals underlying elements. This feature is particularly useful for providing clarity in complex drawings, effectively enhancing visual appeal without permanently erasing any content.

How to Enable Wipeout Frame Visibility

To optimize your workflow with wipeouts, you might want to control their frame visibility effectively. Follow these steps to display or hide wipeout frames in AutoCAD 2025 without printing them.

  1. Open Your Drawing: Start AutoCAD and open your desired drawing file.

  2. Access the Command Line: Look for the command line at the bottom of your interface, where you can enter commands directly.

  3. Input the System Variable: Type in WipeoutFrame and press Enter.

  4. Set the Value:

    • Enter 1 to display the wipeout frames in your drawing area. This allows for easier editing and visibility during design processes.
    • Enter 0 to hide the frames. This option is better for a cleaner look, especially when preparing drawings for presentation.
  5. Check the Results: After setting the value, zoom in and out of your drawing to verify that the wipeout frames are being displayed or hidden as expected.

Viewing Frames Without Plotting

The ability to view wipeout frames while preventing them from printing offers a distinct advantage. To ensure that wipeouts do not appear in your final printed output, follow these additional steps:

  1. Access Plot Settings: Before you print, navigate to your drawing’s plot settings by typing PLOT into the command line and hitting Enter.

  2. Plot Options: In the Plot dialog box, check for options that allow you to adjust what gets printed. Here, you can select to plot the wiped areas without their frames.

  3. Confirm Your Settings: After adjusting the settings, make sure to preview your drawing by clicking on the ‘Preview’ button. This allows you to see how your drawing will look once printed.

  4. Finalize Your Plot: If everything looks satisfactory, proceed with printing your drawing as usual.

Utilizing Wipeouts Effectively

For a seamless experience, consider these tips when using wipeouts in your AutoCAD projects:

  • Layer Management: Place wipeouts on their dedicated layers. This practice keeps your drawings organized and manageable.

  • Combine with Other Tools: Utilize wipeouts in conjunction with other features, such as hatching or clipping, to improve clarity.

  • Regular Checks: Routinely check the properties of your wipeout objects to ensure they function as intended and do not interfere with other drawing components.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I modify a wipeout after it has been created?
Yes, you can select a wipeout and adjust its properties, such as size or layer, just like any other object in AutoCAD.

2. Will wipeout frames be visible in published PDFs?
If you’ve set the WipeoutFrame to 0, the frames will not appear in the final PDF. Always double-check your plot settings before publishing.

3. Is there a shortcut for toggling wipeout visibility?
There is no default shortcut for toggling wipeout frames, but you can create a custom command in AutoCAD for this purpose to streamline your workflow.

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.