Is there a ʼWipeoutʼ tool to hide objects behind a frame in BricsCAD?
Short Answer
Yes — BricsCAD has a wipeout-style workflow using the WIPEOUT command to hide objects behind a frame or mask area. This is the most common professional method for covering linework behind notes, details, or title elements without editing the actual geometry. Limitation: wipeouts depend on draw order and print/display settings.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: A wipeout may look correct on screen but fail visually if draw order is wrong or the frame/display setting is disabled. It can also hide more geometry than expected if the boundary is placed imprecisely over dense annotation or xref content.
How to Hide Objects Behind a Frame in BricsCAD
Command: WIPEOUT
Shortcut: [no default alias in many profiles]
Quick Steps:
- On the Ribbon, go to the annotation or draw tools and start WIPEOUT.
- Choose the polygonal boundary points, or use an existing closed polyline as the wipeout boundary.
- If needed, run DRAWORDER and bring the wipeout in front of the objects to be hidden while keeping your frame or text above it.
Variables & Settings
System Variable: FRAME (Default: 3)
Expert Setting: This controls whether wipeout frames are displayed and/or plotted. A common professional setup is to show the frame for editing but prevent it from plotting, depending on office standards and sheet output needs.
Why it Fails
Cause 1 (Geometry): The wipeout boundary is not cleanly placed, or the source polyline is not properly closed, so the mask area does not cover the intended objects correctly.
Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The target objects or wipeout layer setup causes editing problems, or the frame is on a layer that is off, locked, or not plotting as expected.
Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The wipeout is behind the geometry in display order, so it exists but does not visually hide anything until draw order is corrected.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
Quick Fix: Run DRAWORDER, select the wipeout, and choose Bring to Front; then place annotation or the visible border above it if required.
Manager’s Verdict: Use WIPEOUT for masking small annotation zones, detail labels, and title graphics. Avoid overusing it in complex production drawings where excessive masking can confuse edits, plotting, and coordination with xrefs.
FAQ
Can I create a wipeout from a polyline in BricsCAD?
Yes, if the polyline is closed, it can be used as the wipeout boundary.
Why is my wipeout frame printing?
Your frame display/plot setting is likely controlled by FRAME and may be set to plot.
Can wipeout hide xref geometry in BricsCAD?
Yes, as long as the wipeout is in front of the xref in draw order.
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