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How to Change Color of Xref in AutoCAD?

Understanding Xrefs in AutoCAD

External References, commonly known as Xrefs, are essential components for many AutoCAD projects, enabling designers to attach additional drawings to their primary file. These linked files allow for a cohesive workflow, especially when collaborating on complex designs, without altering the original files directly.

Steps to Change the Color of an Xref

To change the color of an Xref in AutoCAD, follow these specific steps:

1. Switch to Paper Space: Begin by navigating to your paper space layout where your Xref is displayed.
2. Activate the Viewport: Click within the specific viewport that contains the Xref you wish to modify.
3. Access Layer Properties: Open the Layer Properties Manager by selecting the ‘Layers’ panel from the Home tab.
4. Select the Xref Layer: In the Layer Properties Manager, identify the layer associated with your Xref. Layers designated as Xrefs are typically marked clearly.
5. Change the Color: Click on the color field corresponding to the Xref layer. Choose a new color from the palette, or enter a specific color code to customize it further.
6. Adjust Viewport Color: Specifically set the viewport color to reflect your adjustments. This allows the Xref to keep its original appearance in model space while printing or viewing in paperspace will show your selected color.
7. Save Changes: After making the adjustments, ensure you save your changes and check how the Xref appears in both the model and paper space.

Setting Up Xref Colors to Appear Grey

To display an Xref in a grey tone while maintaining its original colors in model space, follow these steps:

1. Open Layer Manager: Locate and open the Layer Manager within AutoCAD.
2. Filter to Xref Layers: Use the filter option to display only Xref layers.
3. Select Light Grey Color: Change the color of these layers to a light grey by clicking on the color cell and selecting your desired shade.
4. Confirm Changes: Ensure that objects within the Xref are created with the color set to ‘bylayer’ to ensure they display correctly.

Overriding Xref Properties

If you need to change or override certain properties of an Xref, such as color, linetype, or lineweight, use the following approach:

1. Utilize System Variables: Understand the use of the system variables VISRETAIN and VISRETAINMODE. These help control how property overrides behave when an Xref is reloaded.
2. Modify Layer Properties: Access the layer properties and make the necessary changes while keeping these variables in mind.
3. Set Proper Overrides: Choose your preferred override settings and ensure they are saved for consistency when the Xref is reloaded.

Converting an Xref to Grayscale

To convert an Xref to grayscale for printing, follow these instructions:

1. Access the Application Menu: Click on the Application menu and navigate to the Print settings.
2. Open Plot Styles: Select ‘Manage Plot Styles’ and double-click the relevant plot style table.
3. Select Grayscale Option: In the Plot Style Table Editor, choose the plot style you need to modify and check the Grayscale option to activate it.
4. Apply Changes: After configuring your settings, ensure to save them so that it applies to your print jobs.

Using Xrefs Efficiently in AutoCAD

To effectively utilize Xrefs in your workflow:

1. Insert Xref: Go to the Insert tab, click on the Reference panel, and select ‘Attach’ to add your external drawing.
2. Set Parameters: In the Attach External Reference dialog, specify parameters such as insertion point, scale, and rotation for accurate placement.
3. Manage Within Layers: Once attached, manage the Xref’s layer settings as needed for your design work.

FAQ

Q1: Can I directly edit an Xref in AutoCAD?

No, Xrefs are read-only. You cannot change their fundamental properties directly, but you can adjust layer states and properties associated with them. Use ‘Xref edit’ to make changes in the original drawing if needed.

Q2: What does the VISRETAIN variable control?

The VISRETAIN variable determines whether parameter overrides (like color or linetype) for an Xref persist after it is reloaded. A setting of 1 retains your changes, while 0 will revert to the original settings.

Q3: How can I ensure Xrefs are displayed correctly in both model and paper space?

By using viewport-specific overrides, you can maintain the original Xref appearance in model space while customizing its display in paper space, allowing for flexible presentations and prints.