In this tutorial, we will learn how to crop in AutoCAD. Cropping allows you to trim or remove unwanted portions of a drawing, making it more precise and presentable. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Select the objects
To begin cropping, you need to select the objects that you want to include in the final drawing. You can select multiple objects by using the selection tool or selecting them individually.
Step 2: Access the “Crop” command
Once you have selected the desired objects, go to the Modify panel in the Home tab of the AutoCAD ribbon. Look for the “Crop” command icon and click on it. Alternatively, you can also type “CROP” in the command line and press Enter.
Step 3: Define the crop boundary
After activating the “Crop” command, AutoCAD will prompt you to specify a cropping boundary. Here’s where you can define which portions of your drawing you want to keep.
Option 1: Rectangle boundary
If you prefer a rectangular crop boundary, simply click and drag your cursor to draw a rectangle around the area you want to keep. Once you release your mouse button, everything outside of this rectangle will be cropped.
Option 2: Polyline boundary
If your desired crop shape is more complex than a rectangle, AutoCAD also allows you to use a polyline as your crop boundary. To do this, click on individual points to create segments and close the polyline by clicking on its starting point again.
Option 3: Existing object boundary
In some cases, it may be useful to use an existing object as your crop boundary. AutoCAD gives you the flexibility to select an existing closed polyline or a closed object, such as a circle or ellipse, to define your crop area.
Step 4: Confirm the crop
Once you have defined your crop boundary, press Enter to confirm and apply the crop. AutoCAD will remove all the portions of your drawing that fall outside of the boundary you defined. Your cropped drawing is now ready!
Additional Tips:
- You can undo a crop operation by using the Undo command (Ctrl+Z).
- If you want to adjust your crop boundary after applying it, use the “Crop” command again and redefine the boundary.
- Cropping does not delete any objects; it only hides them from view. You can still access and modify them if needed.
Cropping in AutoCAD is a useful tool for refining your drawings and focusing on specific areas. By following these steps and experimenting with different crop boundaries, you can enhance the clarity and presentation of your designs.