{"id":243985,"date":"2026-07-24T13:32:03","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T12:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/?p=243985"},"modified":"2026-07-22T16:20:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T15:20:25","slug":"autocad-tips-wipeout-and-text-masking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/2026\/07\/autocad-tips-wipeout-and-text-masking\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Wipeout and Text Masks in AutoCAD to Create Clearer Drawings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/04\/AutoCAD-2025-lockup-Blk-OL-ADSK-No-Year-1-line.svg” title_text=”AutoCAD-2025-lockup-Blk-OL-ADSK-No-Year-1-line” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_padding=”||19px|||”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”20px|||||”]

As projects become more detailed, so\u00a0drawings naturally become more detailed. Floor plans, structural layouts, MEP services, site\u00a0plans\u00a0and construction details often\u00a0contain\u00a0a high volume of information, making it increasingly difficult to keep documentation clear and easy to interpret.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When annotations, symbols and geometry begin to overlap, even well-produced drawings can become harder to review. Poor readability can slow coordination between project teams, increase the risk of misinterpretation on\u00a0site\u00a0and make revisions more time-consuming throughout the design process.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

AutoCAD<\/a>\u00a0includes simple tools that help solve this challenge.\u00a0<\/span>Wipeouts<\/span><\/i>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Text Masks<\/span><\/i>\u00a0allow you to hide selected areas of a drawing without changing the underlying geometry, creating clearer documentation while\u00a0maintaining\u00a0the integrity of your design. In this guide,\u00a0we’ll\u00a0explain how each tool works, where\u00a0they’re\u00a0most effective and how they can help improve the quality of your\u00a0<\/span>AEC<\/a>\u00a0drawings.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Why Drawing Clarity Matters” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

In\u00a0<\/span>architecture<\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>engineering\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>construction<\/a>, drawings are the primary method of communicating design intent. From concept design through to construction, every annotation,\u00a0dimension\u00a0and symbol needs to be easy to read and understand.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cluttered drawings can make coordination more difficult between architects, structural engineers, MEP\u00a0consultants\u00a0and contractors. Something as simple as a note crossing a wall line or a symbol obscuring pipework can lead to confusion,\u00a0delays\u00a0or unnecessary queries during construction.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While good drawing organisation should always be the starting point, complex projects often leave little room to avoid every overlap. Wipeouts and Text Masks\u00a0provide\u00a0a practical way to improve readability without compromising the original design information.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”What is a Wipeout?” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||52px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

A Wipeout<\/em> is an AutoCAD object that hides geometry behind it without\u00a0deleting\u00a0or modifying the original drawing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of trimming lines every time a symbol overlaps walls, grids,\u00a0services\u00a0or structural elements, you can place a Wipeout beneath the object to create the appearance of a clean break. The original geometry\u00a0remains\u00a0intact, making future revisions much simpler.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wipeouts are particularly useful for AEC drawings, including:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n