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Mask Linework with Wipeout
Tip# 3558 By Eric Lynch On 09-Jan-2011
5
Rated By 1 users
Categories : 2D Operations
Software type : AutoCAD 2011
Rename File To : No Files to download.
Mask out unnecessary linework without altering it.

Tipster Eric Lynch tells us about the Wipeout command in AutoCAD, and how it can be used to mask out unnecessary linework without altering it.

"A quick way to hide unwanted items in the background without having to trim and lose all the information is to use the Wipeout command. It creates a masking block by drawing a boundary, or selecting a polyline as its boundary. You can put it on a non-plotting layer and send it below linework for a quick mask that can easily be manipulated without losing your lines to trimming."
 
Notes from Cadalyst Tip Patrol: Wipeouts can be useful — and dangerous. If their frame is turned off, they can't be selected. Many times I have spotted "blank" areas on a print, and spent hours trying to figure them out. To toggle Wipeout frames, type Wipeout on the Command line, then F, then type On or Off, according to what you want to do. If Wipeouts are used, it is a good idea to follow this tipster's advice and put them on a non-printing layer. They will still work, but the frames won't print, and you can edit them.
 

 

Average Rating:
5


User comments
Comment by Cox,George
Posted on 2011-01-10 14:19:02
At our firm we have added wipeouts to our tube steel column blocks so when we partially bury a column in a masonry wall, we don't have to edit out the masonry hatch in a separate operation.
Comment by Lubozynski,Lisa
Posted on 2011-01-10 14:19:30
A good tool for reasons mentioned, but also check when plotting or saving to other file formats such as pdf's. We have had trouble with Wipeouts showing up black, or outlined even when the outline turned off.
Comment by Eaton,Nancy
Posted on 2011-01-10 15:14:02
One way to keep from 'losing' the wipeouts is to group the elements with the wipeout. That way if the elements move, the wipeout goes with it. Be sure PICKSTYLE=1 or 3.
Comment by Ayles,Mark
Posted on 2011-01-11 10:21:40
It seems to work well except when we keep the frames on and put them on a non-plotting layer. Once we do that the wipeout becomes transparent. Is there a setting for this somewhere? We still use 2010. Thanks
Comment by Lynch,Andria
Posted on 2011-04-27 13:04:46
You can hide the frames around a wipeout no matter what layer they are on by simply entering WIPEOUT in the command line, typing F for Frames, and then typing OFF to turn them off, just like an image frame or a PDF frame.