Wipeout in AutoCAD Blocks | TutoCAD

Creating Wipeout Blocks in AutoCAD

Step 1: Outline the Shape

Begin the process by sketching the desired outer contour of the wipeout block using AutoCAD’s drawing tools. Ensure that this outline accurately represents the area you want to mask.

Step 2: Convert to Closed Polylines

Once the outer contour is complete, convert it into a closed polyline. This step is essential as the Wipeout command requires a closed shape to define the area effectively.

Step 3: Implement the Wipeout Command

Activate the Wipeout command by either typing wi into the command line or selecting it from the Draw menu. When prompted, choose the Polyline option by pressing P, then click on the closed polyline you created earlier. This action will generate the wipeout area, effectively masking any underlying elements.

Step 4: Add Graphics Inside the Wipeout

After creating the wipeout area, proceed to insert graphics or text within the masked region. This step allows for the integration of additional information or design elements that will be prominently displayed.

Utilizing Wipeout in AutoCAD

To start using the Wipeout feature in AutoCAD, you can use the following methods:

1. Command Line Activation: Enter wi at the command line to initiate the Wipeout command.
2. Menu Navigation: Alternatively, navigate through the Draw dropdown and select the Wipeout option.

Once activated, you can specify the area to be wiped out by simply clicking and dragging your cursor. Finalize the command by pressing Enter.

Understanding Wipeout Objects

A wipeout object serves as a polygonal mask that conceals underlying objects using the current background color of the AutoCAD workspace. The defined area is bordered by a wipeout frame, which can be toggled on for editing purposes or turned off when printing.

Displaying the Wipeout Frame

If you want to show the wipeout frame for editing purposes, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Annotate tab and select the Markup panel.
2. At the command prompt, input F for Frames.
3. Choose between On, Off, or Display But Not Plot to customize the visibility of the wipeout frame in your drawing.

Sending Wipeouts Behind Other Objects

To adjust the Z-order of your wipeout object to send it to the back of other elements, access the Draw Order menu and select "Send to Back." This will ensure that your text or graphics appear above the wiped-out area.

Deleting Wipeout Objects

If you need to remove a wipeout object from your drawing, the quickest way is to use the Ctrl+H shortcut or adjust the Pickstyle setting to zero, allowing for easy selection and deletion of the wipeout.

Practical Applications of Wipeout

Wipeouts are particularly useful when you want to create a specific visual hierarchy in your designs. They help emphasize certain areas by obscuring background details, making the intended elements pop out.

Converting Polylines to Wipeouts

Transforming existing polylines into wipeout areas is straightforward:

1. Select the Wipeout tool from the Draw toolbar or type wipeout in the command bar and press Enter.
2. Choose any existing closed polyline as your wipeout boundary.

Masking Shapes in AutoCAD

Masking shapes follows a similar procedure as creating wipeouts:

1. Access the Annotate tab, and select the Wipeout tool.
2. Click through points to define the perimeter of the shape you wish to mask, or input p to select an existing polyline.
3. Complete the command by hitting Enter.

Hiding Wipeout Boundaries

To hide the wipeout boundary when executing the command, you can choose frames. Setting them to Off will conceal the boundary, while setting them to On will display it, giving you more control over your masking.

Performing Wipeouts with Arcs

To create smooth wipeouts using arcs:

1. Start by entering the command POLYGON.
2. Input 36 for the number of sides, creating a shape that resembles a circle.
3. Follow this with the Wipeout command, selecting the polyline created to finalize your masking.

FAQs

1. How can I quickly select multiple wipeout objects?
Use the selection box or hold Shift while clicking on each wipeout object to select multiple items simultaneously.

2. Is there a limit to the number of wipeouts I can create in a single drawing?
There is no specific limit imposed by AutoCAD, but performance may degrade with an excessive number of complex wipeouts, depending on your system’s capabilities.

3. Can wipeouts be used in 3D drawings?
Yes, wipeouts can be applied in 3D space, but their effectiveness may vary based on the viewing angles and the underlying objects’ arrangement.