AutoCAD

Wipeout in AutoCAD Not Working

Understanding Why Wipeout Might Not Work in AutoCAD

When using the Wipeout feature in AutoCAD, users can encounter issues that prevent the command from functioning as expected. These problems can be traced to various settings and user preferences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and resolve common issues related to the Wipeout command.

1. Checking Command Usage

To initiate the Wipeout command, either enter wi in the command line or select it from the Draw menu. It’s crucial to correctly specify the boundary for the wipeout. Click to define the corners of the area you want to hide, then press Enter. If the wipeout does not appear, revisit the specified boundaries and confirm that they enclose the desired area.

2. Displaying Wipeout Frames

Wipeout frames may be hidden by default. To ensure that frames are visible, follow these steps:

  1. On the Annotate tab, navigate to the Markup panel.
  2. Select Wipeout and then access the settings.
  3. When prompted, type F for frames.
  4. Choose from On, Off, or Display But Not Plot to configure visibility accordingly.

3. Adding Wipeout to Blocks

Sometimes, adding a Wipeout to a block can complicate visibility. To properly add a Wipeout:

  1. Right-click the block reference and choose to open it in the Block Editor.
  2. Execute the Wipeout command by defining an appropriate background area.
  3. After creating the Wipeout, right-click to modify its display order by selecting the option to send it to the back.
  4. Save the modifications and exit the Block Editor.

4. Troubleshooting Command Issues

If commands aren’t functioning at all, there are specific steps to take:

  1. Export your user settings for backup. Go to Start > AutoCAD 2025 > Export AutoCAD 2025 Settings.
  2. Reset the user settings. Navigate to Start > AutoCAD 2025 > Reset AutoCAD 2025 Settings.
  3. Launch AutoCAD again and try using the ALIASEDIT command to examine the aliases.

5. Making Wipeout Invisible

To make a Wipeout invisible, you can control the frame settings. When executing the Wipeout command:

  • Ensure that you toggle the visibility settings of frames.
  • Setting the Frame option to Off will hide the wipeout borders, rendering it invisible on the canvas.

6. Creating Circular Wipeouts

For specific design needs, a circular wipeout may be required. You can create this type as follows:

  1. Initiate the POLYGON command and input 36 sides to form a circular shape.
  2. Use the Wipeout command as usual, selecting the polyline you created to define your circular wipeout.

7. Converting Polylines to Wipeouts

If you already have a polyline that you wish to convert into a Wipeout:

  1. Click the Wipeout tool in the Draw toolbar.
  2. Type wipeout in the command line and press Enter.
  3. Select the existing polyline to finalize the conversion into a Wipeout area.

FAQ Section

Q1: Why can’t I see the Wipeout after creating it?
A1: This can happen if frame visibility is turned off or the wipeout is covered by other objects. Check the display settings and the layering of objects.

Q2: How do I delete a Wipeout?
A2: Use the Ctrl+H shortcut or adjust the Pickstyle setting to zero. After this, you can select the Wipeout and delete it.

Q3: What if my commands still won’t work after resetting AutoCAD?
A3: Try running the AUDIT command to check for file errors and repair them. If issues persist, consider reinstalling AutoCAD.

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.