To use the Wipeout command in AutoCAD, you typically initiate the command and then define a boundary to hide objects behind it.
The Wipeout command in AutoCAD creates a polygonal area that hides objects behind it in the current display order. It's commonly used to mask parts of a drawing or provide a clear background for text or blocks.
Based on the provided reference, here's the fundamental process:
Starting the WIPEOUT Command
- Launch AutoCAD and open your drawing. Ensure the drawing you want to modify is open and active.
- Initiate the command. As per the reference:
- Type "WIPEOUT" in the command line and press Enter, OR
- Access it from the Draw panel on the Home tab in the AutoCAD ribbon.
Defining the Wipeout Boundary
Once the command is active, AutoCAD will prompt you to define the area you want to wipe out.
- Specify points for the wipeout boundary. Click points in your drawing area to define the vertices of the polygon.
- Press Enter or Close (by clicking the first point again) when you have specified all desired points to complete the boundary.
Alternatively, after typing WIPEOUT and pressing Enter, you might see options like [Frames/New/Polyline].
- Using the
Newoption (the default if you just press Enter again) allows you to specify points interactively as described above. - Using the
Polylineoption lets you select an existing closed polyline to define the wipeout boundary, which is often more precise.
Understanding Wipeout Functionality
A wipeout object is essentially a special type of object that plots with the background color, effectively masking anything beneath it. You can control whether the boundary frame of the wipeout object is visible or hidden using the WIPEOUTFRAMES system variable (0 = off, 1 = on, 2 = on but not plotted).
Key Uses:
- Masking complex areas of a drawing.
- Creating clear backgrounds for text or labels that might otherwise be difficult to read.
- Simplifying views by hiding unnecessary details.
Using the Wipeout command is a simple yet effective way to manage visibility and improve the clarity of your AutoCAD drawings.
