AutoCAD

How to Hide Wipeout Border in AutoCAD?

Understanding Wipeout Borders in AutoCAD

When working with AutoCAD, the Wipeout feature is a powerful tool for hiding specific areas of a drawing without deleting the objects underneath. However, sometimes the visible borders of the wipeout itself can be distracting. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively hide wipeout borders in AutoCAD 2025.

Hiding Wipeout Borders: Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open Your Drawing
    Launch AutoCAD 2025 and open the drawing that contains the wipeout you wish to modify. Ensure you are in the model or layout space where the wipeout is located.

  2. Access the Command Line
    At the bottom of your AutoCAD interface, locate the command line. This is where you will enter commands that help control the visibility of wipeout frames.

  3. Use the WIPEOUT Command
    Type WIPEOUT into the command line and press the Enter key. This command initiates the process related to wipeouts.

  4. Toggle Frame Visibility
    After entering the WIPEOUT command, type F for Frames in the command line and hit Enter. You will then be prompted to specify whether to turn the frames ON or OFF. Type OFF and hit Enter again to hide the borders of your wipeout.

  5. Using TFRAMES Command
    Alternatively, you can quickly toggle the visibility of wipeout frames using the TFRAMES command. Simply type TFRAMES in the command line and press Enter. This command allows you to easily switch between showing or hiding wipeout frames without having to go through the WIPEOUT command each time.

Adjusting Background Transparency

If your wipeout seems too opaque and the surrounding areas aren’t blending well with the drawing, you might want to adjust the background transparency.

  1. Select the Wipeout
    Click on the wipeout object you wish to modify. This will bring up the grips, indicating that it is selected.

  2. Access Properties Palette
    Right-click the selected wipeout and choose Properties from the context menu. The Properties palette will open on the right side of the AutoCAD interface.

  3. Modify Transparency Settings
    In the Properties palette, locate the Background section. You should see an option for Transparency. Set it to Yes to enhance visibility of underlying elements by making the wipeout more transparent.

  4. Fine-tune as Necessary
    If further adjustments are needed, you can experiment with additional properties that might affect the visual appearance of your wipeout, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your overall drawing.

Creating Clean Wipeouts

When adding new wipeouts or modifying existing ones, maintaining a clean appearance can enhance the professionalism of your drawing.

  1. Use Precise Boundaries
    When creating a wipeout, define the boundaries carefully. Utilize Polyline or other drawing tools to create clean edges for your wipeouts.

  2. Check Your Layer Settings
    Ensure that your wipeouts are on an appropriate layer for visibility and organization. Managing layers prevents unwanted borders from showing up in your prints.

  3. Final Review
    Always zoom in and do a final check of your drawing. This ensures that the wipes and any other elements appear as intended, free from distractions such as visible wipeout frames.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main purpose of wipeouts in AutoCAD?
Wipeouts are used to obscure parts of a drawing without deleting the actual objects. They create invisible areas, allowing for cleaner presentations and easier readability.

2. Can I change the appearance of existing wipeouts after they are created?
Yes, you can modify wipeouts by selecting them and accessing the Properties palette, where you can adjust properties such as transparency and frame visibility.

3. Is there a way to permanently hide wipeout frames in all future drawings?
You can set a default for frames in the options menu. Go to the Options dialog, and under the Display tab, you can configure the default frame options for your drawings. However, these settings can be overridden per drawing as needed.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.