What Is a Wipeout Object in Autocad?

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What Is a Wipeout Object in AutoCAD?

In AutoCAD, a wipeout object is a powerful tool that allows you to hide portions of your drawing or block out specific areas. It can be particularly useful when you want to obscure underlying geometry or create a clean background for your design.

Creating a Wipeout Object

There are two main methods for creating a wipeout object in AutoCAD:

Method 1: Using the WIPEOUT Command

To use the WIPEOUT command, follow these steps:

  1. Type “WIPEOUT” in the command line and press Enter.
  2. Select “Polygonal” or “Rectangular” as the wipeout shape.
  3. Specify the first corner of the wipeout boundary.
  4. Continue selecting additional points to define the boundary shape.
  5. Press Enter when you’re finished defining the boundary.

Method 2: Using the WIPEOUT Tool in the Ribbon Menu

If you prefer using the ribbon menu, here’s how to create a wipeout object:

  1. Select the “Hatch” tab in the ribbon menu.
  2. In the “Draw Hatch Boundaries” panel, click on “Create Wipeout Boundary“.
  3. Select “Polygonal” or “Rectangular” as your desired shape.
  4. Create your boundary by selecting points on your drawing area.
  5. Press Enter to finalize the boundary.

Modifying Wipeout Objects

Once you’ve created a wipeout object, you can modify it to suit your needs:

  • Resizing: To resize the wipeout object, use the “Edit Wipeout Frame” command or select the wipeout and drag its grips.
  • Rotating: You can also rotate the wipeout object by selecting it and using the “Rotate” command or dragging its rotation grip.
  • Editing: If you need to edit the shape of the wipeout boundary, use the “Edit Polyline/Spline Boundary” command. This allows you to add or remove vertices from the polyline/spline that defines the boundary.
  • Hiding/Displaying: To hide or display a wipeout object, use the “Show/Hide Wipeout Frames” command. This is particularly useful when you want to temporarily view underlying geometry without deleting the wipeout object.

Cautions When Using Wipeouts

While wipeouts can be incredibly helpful, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Avoid placing wipeouts on blocks with attributes as they may interfere with attribute visibility.
  • If you plan on sharing your drawing with others, ensure that they have access to any referenced images used in your wipeouts. Otherwise, they may not see what you intended them to see.
  • In some cases, printing or plotting a drawing with wipeouts enabled may result in unexpected output. It’s always a good idea to test the print/plot settings before finalizing your design.

Now that you understand what a wipeout object is and how to use it, you can leverage this powerful tool to enhance your AutoCAD drawings. Whether you need to hide confidential information or create clean backgrounds, wipeouts will undoubtedly streamline your design process.