What Is Wipeout Frame in Autocad?

What Is Wipeout Frame in Autocad?

In AutoCAD, the wipeout frame is a useful feature that allows you to hide or mask certain parts of your drawing. It is primarily used to create a clean and professional look by concealing unwanted details or background elements.

How Does Wipeout Frame Work?

The wipeout frame works by creating a polygonal boundary around the selected area that you want to hide. This boundary then becomes an independent object on its own, allowing you to control its visibility separately from other objects in your drawing.

When the wipeout frame is activated, it covers the specified area with a solid color or pattern, effectively blocking any objects behind it. This makes it an excellent tool for removing clutter and emphasizing the important parts of your drawing.

Creating and Modifying Wipeout Frames

To create a wipeout frame in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Select the Wipeout command from the Modify menu or type “WIPEOUT” in the command line.
  2. In the prompt, specify points to define the boundaries of your wipeout frame. You can choose any shape as long as it forms a closed loop.
  3. Press Enter to confirm your selection. The wipeout frame will be created, and you can adjust its properties using various options.
  4. To modify an existing wipeout frame, select it and right-click to access additional options like changing its properties or deleting it entirely.

Controlling Wipeout Frame Properties

AutoCAD allows you to control various properties of a wipeout frame to suit your needs. Some of the most commonly used properties include:

  • Frame Visibility: You can toggle the visibility of the frame on and off. This is particularly useful when you want to temporarily show or hide the wipeout frame while working on your drawing.
  • Frame Color and Transparency: You can change the color of the wipeout frame, as well as its transparency level, to achieve different visual effects.
  • Frame Scale: The scale property controls how the pattern or color within the wipeout frame is displayed. You can adjust it to make the pattern more prominent or subtle.

Tips for Using Wipeout Frames Effectively

To get the most out of wipeout frames in AutoCAD, consider these tips:

  • Use Layers: Assigning wipeout frames to specific layers allows you to easily manage their visibility and modify their properties collectively.
  • Avoid Overlapping Wipeouts: If multiple wipeout frames overlap each other, it can lead to unexpected visual artifacts. Be mindful of this when creating and positioning your wipeouts.
  • Create Custom Patterns: AutoCAD provides several predefined patterns for wipeouts, but you can also create custom patterns using hatch objects for more creative control.

In conclusion, a wipeout frame in AutoCAD is a valuable tool for hiding unwanted details and creating a cleaner presentation of your drawings. By utilizing its various properties and following some best practices, you can enhance the visual appeal and clarity of your designs.