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This week our theme is clipped images.
Many times users of AutoCAD overlook
the fact that it is very easy to insert images into your CAD file. The
IMAGE command works just like the XREF command in that the objects are not
permanently imbedded into your file, but are referenced from another area on
the current system. Images typically are J-peg files which can be
created with almost any digital camera these days.
Once you have an image captured on
your system to reference, there is an excellent command I use a lot to clip
these images to be just the object in the picture that I want to emphasize.
The IMAGECLIP command will allow the operator to "cookie cutter" the portion
of an image to show. Make sure the borders of images are turned on
before using this command. You will have to select the image to clip
by initially selecting it's border. Once the image is selected, use
the default option New to create a new clipping boundary. Now choose
whether you want a rectangular border or a multi-faceted polyline.
The portion of the image that needs
clipping can be very complex. Simply use the polyline option and begin
making vertices to the clipping polyline. By using the transparent
zoom and transparent Zoom Previous options a clipping boundary can be very
detailed and accurate. Once the image is clipped, you can adjust any
vertices by highlighting the border to activate it's grips and stretch the
grips as needed to correct any problems. It's best to leave your snaps
off when doing the clipping, so that you won't snap to the border of the
image by mistake.
The best use of this
technique is to walk out to the plant workroom floor and document a
situation or machine and then add this to a detail in your drawing. By
using the clipping feature you can clip the background away from the main
objects to show more focus. If you just try this technique, you will
inevitably come up with other very creative solutions to your visual
presentation skills.
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