When Would The Wipeout Command Be Useful

Wipeout is a command in AutoCAD that hides portions of objects. It's like a digital masking tape, allowing you to cover up parts of your drawing without actually deleting anything. This makes it an invaluable tool for creating clean and professional-looking drawings, especially when dealing with complex layouts or external references.

Understanding the Wipeout Command

At its core, the wipeout command functions by creating a closed polygonal area that masks underlying objects. Think of it as placing a white (or background-colored) opaque shape over whatever you want to hide. The beauty of wipeout lies in its ability to dynamically adjust to changes in the drawing, as the masked area will automatically update if the underlying geometry is modified.

Before diving into specific scenarios, let's clarify some fundamental aspects of the wipeout command:

• Creation: You can create a wipeout by specifying points to define its polygonal boundary. You can also convert a closed polyline into a wipeout object.
• Frame: Wipeouts have a frame that is visible by default. This frame can be turned on or off, allowing you to see the boundary of the wipeout during editing and hide it for final presentation.
• Draw Order: Wipeouts respect draw order. This means that a wipeout will only mask objects that are behind it in the draw order. You can use the DRAWORDER command to control the order in which objects are displayed.
• Object Snaps: You can use object snaps to accurately create and position wipeouts. This is crucial for ensuring that the wipeout seamlessly covers the intended area.
• Transparency: Although wipeouts are typically opaque, you can adjust their transparency to create different visual effects. This can be useful for subtly blending wipeouts into the background or creating semi-transparent masks.

Key Use Cases for the Wipeout Command

The wipeout command is a versatile tool with a wide range of applications. Here are some of the most common and beneficial scenarios where it proves to be indispensable:

1. Masking External References (Xrefs)

External references are drawings that are linked to your current drawing. They are commonly used to incorporate standard details, title blocks, or other shared elements into multiple drawings. However, sometimes these Xrefs might contain information that you don't want to be visible in your current drawing.

Scenario: You have an Xref containing a site plan with existing utilities. You only want to show the proposed building footprint and immediate surroundings in your drawing.

Solution: Use the wipeout command to mask the portions of the Xref that are not relevant to your drawing. This allows you to selectively display only the information you need, without modifying the original Xref file.

Steps:

1. Identify the area of the Xref you want to mask.
2. Activate the wipeout command (WIPEOUT).
3. Draw a polygonal boundary around the area to be masked. Ensure the boundary completely covers the unwanted portions of the Xref.
4. Turn off the wipeout frame (if desired) by typing WIPEOUT again, selecting "Frames," and choosing "Off."
5. Use the DRAWORDER command to ensure the wipeout is in front of the Xref.

2. Cleaning Up Hatch Patterns

Hatch patterns are used to fill areas with a repeating pattern, often to represent materials like concrete, brick, or insulation. In complex drawings, hatch patterns can sometimes overlap with other objects, creating a cluttered or confusing appearance.

Scenario: You have a drawing of a building section with a hatch pattern representing concrete. The hatch pattern overlaps with a dimension line, making it difficult to read the dimension.

Solution: Use the wipeout command to mask the hatch pattern around the dimension line, creating a clear space for the dimension to be visible.

Steps:

1. Identify the area of the hatch pattern that is interfering with the dimension line.
2. Activate the wipeout command (WIPEOUT).
3. Draw a polygonal boundary around the dimension line, ensuring the boundary completely covers the overlapping hatch pattern.
4. Turn off the wipeout frame (if desired) by typing WIPEOUT again, selecting "Frames," and choosing "Off."
5. Use the DRAWORDER command to ensure the wipeout is in front of the hatch pattern but behind the dimension line.

3. Creating Custom Title Blocks

Title blocks are standardized blocks that contain information about the drawing, such as the drawing name, scale, date, and revision number. While AutoCAD provides built-in title block templates, you might need to create a custom title block to meet specific project requirements.

Scenario: You need to create a custom title block with a specific logo and layout that is not available in the standard AutoCAD templates.

Solution: Use the wipeout command to mask portions of the underlying geometry or text in the title block, allowing you to create a clean and professional-looking title block that meets your specific needs.

Steps:

1. Create the basic geometry and text for your custom title block.
2. Identify any areas where you need to mask underlying objects.
3. Activate the wipeout command (WIPEOUT).
4. Draw polygonal boundaries around the areas to be masked.
5. Turn off the wipeout frame (if desired) by typing WIPEOUT again, selecting "Frames," and choosing "Off."
6. Save the title block as a block for easy reuse in other drawings.

4. Hiding Portions of Images

Images are often inserted into AutoCAD drawings for reference or presentation purposes. However, sometimes you might need to hide portions of an image to focus on a specific area or to remove unwanted details.

Scenario: You have an aerial photograph inserted into your drawing as a background. You only want to show a specific portion of the photograph that is relevant to your project.

Solution: Use the wipeout command to mask the portions of the image that are not relevant to your drawing. This allows you to selectively display only the desired area of the image.

Steps:

1. Identify the area of the image you want to show.
2. Activate the wipeout command (WIPEOUT).
3. Draw a polygonal boundary around the area you want to show, ensuring the boundary covers the entire image except for the desired area.
4. Turn off the wipeout frame (if desired) by typing WIPEOUT again, selecting "Frames," and choosing "Off."
5. Use the DRAWORDER command to ensure the wipeout is in front of the image.

5. Simplifying Complex Drawings for Printing

Complex drawings can be difficult to print, especially when they contain a lot of detail or overlapping objects. Sometimes, you might need to simplify the drawing for printing by hiding certain elements that are not essential for the printed output.

Scenario: You have a complex architectural drawing with detailed landscaping and furniture. You want to print a simplified version of the drawing that only shows the building footprint and basic dimensions.

Solution: Use the wipeout command to mask the landscaping, furniture, and other non-essential elements, creating a simplified version of the drawing for printing.

Steps:

1. Identify the elements you want to hide for printing.
2. Activate the wipeout command (WIPEOUT).
3. Draw polygonal boundaries around the areas containing the elements to be hidden.
4. Turn off the wipeout frame (if desired) by typing WIPEOUT again, selecting "Frames," and choosing "Off."
5. Print the drawing.

6. Creating Dynamic Callouts and Labels

Callouts and labels are used to identify and describe specific features in a drawing. The wipeout command can be used to create dynamic callouts and labels that automatically adjust to changes in the drawing.

Scenario: You want to create a callout that highlights a specific area of a drawing and includes a text label. You want the callout to automatically update if the highlighted area is moved or resized.

Solution: Use the wipeout command to create a masked area around the callout, ensuring that the text label is always visible and easy to read, regardless of the underlying geometry.

Steps:

1. Create the geometry for your callout, such as a circle or rectangle.
2. Add a text label to the callout.
3. Activate the wipeout command (WIPEOUT).
4. Draw a polygonal boundary around the text label, ensuring the boundary is slightly larger than the text.
5. Turn off the wipeout frame (if desired) by typing WIPEOUT again, selecting "Frames," and choosing "Off."
6. Group the callout geometry, text label, and wipeout together to create a dynamic callout.

7. Implementing Revision Clouds Effectively

Revision clouds are used to highlight areas of a drawing that have been revised or updated. While AutoCAD has a dedicated revision cloud tool, the wipeout command can be used in conjunction with revision clouds to create more effective and visually appealing revision markings.

Scenario: You want to highlight a revised area of a drawing using a revision cloud, but the underlying geometry is cluttered and makes the revision cloud difficult to see.

Solution: Use the wipeout command to mask the underlying geometry within the revision cloud, creating a clear background that makes the revision cloud stand out.

Steps:

1. Create a revision cloud around the revised area using the REVCLOUD command.
2. Activate the wipeout command (WIPEOUT).
3. Use the "Polyline" option to create a wipeout that follows the shape of the revision cloud.
4. Turn off the wipeout frame (if desired) by typing WIPEOUT again, selecting "Frames," and choosing "Off."
5. Use the DRAWORDER command to ensure the wipeout is in front of the underlying geometry but behind the revision cloud.

8. Creating Knockouts in Walls and Other Objects

In architectural and engineering drawings, you often need to represent knockouts or openings in walls, floors, or other objects. The wipeout command provides a simple and effective way to create these knockouts without actually deleting the underlying geometry.

Scenario: You need to show an opening in a wall for a door or window.

Solution: Use the wipeout command to mask the portion of the wall where the opening will be located. This allows you to represent the opening without breaking the wall into separate segments.

Steps:

1. Draw the wall as a single polyline or object.
2. Activate the wipeout command (WIPEOUT).
3. Draw a rectangular or polygonal boundary around the area where the opening will be located.
4. Turn off the wipeout frame (if desired) by typing WIPEOUT again, selecting "Frames," and choosing "Off."
5. The wipeout will mask the portion of the wall within the boundary, creating the appearance of an opening.

9. Enhancing Visual Hierarchy in Drawings

Visual hierarchy refers to the arrangement of elements in a drawing to guide the viewer's eye and emphasize important information. The wipeout command can be used to enhance visual hierarchy by creating areas of contrast and focus.

Scenario: You want to draw attention to a specific area of a drawing, such as a detail view or a key plan.

Solution: Use the wipeout command to create a masked area around the area of interest, creating a visual contrast that draws the viewer's eye to that area.

Steps:

1. Identify the area you want to emphasize.
2. Activate the wipeout command (WIPEOUT).
3. Draw a polygonal boundary around the area.
4. Turn off the wipeout frame (if desired) by typing WIPEOUT again, selecting "Frames," and choosing "Off."
5. The wipeout will create a visual contrast that makes the area stand out.

10. Streamlining the Presentation of Complex Datasets

When working with complex datasets, such as GIS data or survey information, it can be challenging to present the data in a clear and understandable way. The wipeout command can be used to selectively hide portions of the data, allowing you to focus on specific areas or themes.

Scenario: You have a drawing containing a large amount of GIS data, including roads, buildings, and utilities. You want to create a presentation that only shows the roads and buildings.

Solution: Use the wipeout command to mask the utilities and other unwanted elements, creating a simplified presentation that focuses on the roads and buildings.

Steps:

1. Identify the elements you want to hide.
2. Activate the wipeout command (WIPEOUT).
3. Draw polygonal boundaries around the areas containing the elements to be hidden.
4. Turn off the wipeout frame (if desired) by typing WIPEOUT again, selecting "Frames," and choosing "Off."
5. The wipeouts will mask the unwanted elements, creating a cleaner and more focused presentation.

Best Practices for Using the Wipeout Command

To maximize the effectiveness of the wipeout command and avoid potential issues, consider these best practices:

• Use Layers: Place wipeouts on a dedicated layer to easily control their visibility and properties. This allows you to quickly turn off all wipeouts for editing or printing purposes.
• Control Draw Order: Pay attention to the draw order of wipeouts to ensure they mask the correct objects. Use the DRAWORDER command to adjust the draw order as needed.
• Turn Off Frames: For final presentations, turn off the wipeout frames to create a seamless appearance.
• Use Object Snaps: Use object snaps to accurately create and position wipeouts. This ensures that the wipeout seamlessly covers the intended area.
• Consider Performance: Overuse of wipeouts can impact drawing performance, especially in large and complex drawings. Use wipeouts judiciously and consider alternative methods for achieving the desired effect when possible.
• Use the "Polyline" Option: When masking complex shapes, use the "Polyline" option to create wipeouts from existing polylines. This can save time and ensure accuracy.
• Be Mindful of Xref Clipping: When using wipeouts to mask Xrefs, be aware of the Xref clipping boundary. The wipeout will only mask the portion of the Xref that is within the clipping boundary.
• Test Your Drawings: Always test your drawings thoroughly after using wipeouts to ensure that everything is displayed correctly and that there are no unexpected masking issues.
• Communicate with Collaborators: If you are working on a drawing with multiple collaborators, communicate your use of wipeouts to ensure that everyone understands how they are being used and how they might affect the drawing.

Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

While the wipeout command is a powerful tool, it's essential to be aware of potential pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Overlapping Wipeouts: Avoid creating overlapping wipeouts, as this can lead to unpredictable masking results.
• Wipeouts in Paper Space: While wipeouts can be used in paper space, they are generally more effective when used in model space. Using wipeouts in paper space can sometimes lead to display issues when printing or plotting.
• Regeneration Issues: In some cases, wipeouts can cause regeneration issues, especially in complex drawings. If you experience regeneration problems, try simplifying the wipeouts or reducing the number of wipeouts in the drawing.
• File Size: Excessive use of wipeouts, especially with complex boundaries, can increase the file size of your drawing. Be mindful of file size and consider alternative methods for achieving the desired effect when possible.
• Compatibility Issues: Older versions of AutoCAD may not support all of the features of the wipeout command. If you are sharing drawings with users who are using older versions of AutoCAD, be sure to save the drawing in a compatible format.

Conclusion

The wipeout command is a powerful and versatile tool that can significantly enhance the quality and clarity of your AutoCAD drawings. By understanding its capabilities and limitations, and by following best practices, you can leverage the wipeout command to create professional-looking drawings that effectively communicate your design intent. From masking external references to simplifying complex drawings for printing, the wipeout command offers a wide range of applications that can streamline your workflow and improve your overall productivity. So, embrace the power of the wipeout command and unlock its potential to transform your drawings into visually stunning and informative masterpieces.