How To Use Xref In AutoCAD 2020?

Understanding Xrefs in AutoCAD 2025

When working with complex designs in AutoCAD, managing external references (Xrefs) is essential for maintaining organization and streamline collaboration. Here’s how to effectively use Xrefs in AutoCAD 2025.

Attaching External References

1. Open the Insert Tab: Begin by navigating to the Insert tab on the Ribbon.
2. Select Attach: Click on the Reference panel and choose the Attach option to open the file selection dialog.
3. Choose Files: In the dialog box that appears, locate the desired drawing files (DWG) you wish to attach and click Open.
4. Configure Attachment Settings: The Attach External Reference dialog will open. Choose ‘Attachment’ under Reference Type to maintain a link to the original file.
5. Specify Insertion Parameters: Define the insertion point, scale, and the rotation angle for the attached Xref. After inputting these details, click OK to finalize the attachment.

Opening an Xref for Editing

1. Select the Xref: In your drawing area, click on the Xref you intend to modify.
2. Access the External References Tab: On the Ribbon, go to the External References tab and click on the Open Reference icon.
3. Edit the Drawing: A new AutoCAD window will open containing the Xref, allowing you to make modifications directly to the drawing.

Troubleshooting Visibility Issues

If your Xref does not appear as expected:

1. Check Model Space: Ensure the Xref file has content in the Model space rather than the Layout tabs, as only Model space elements are visible.
2. Verify Proper Layer Usage: Confirm that the relevant drawing elements are situated on the correct layers, as incorrect layering may lead to visibility problems.

Creating a New Xref

1. Initiate Command: Type AMAUTODETAIL in the command line and press Enter.
2. Select Objects: In the Assembly Drawing Detailing dialog, choose ‘Selection by Objects.’
3. File Name and Path: Specify a name and select the appropriate directory for the Xref.
4. Define Scale Settings: Choose the ‘Create with Fixed Scale’ option and enter your desired scale.

Detaching an Xref

1. Open External References Palette: Navigate to the View tab and select the Palettes panel to access External References.
2. Select the Xref: In the External References palette, click on the DWG reference you want to detach.
3. Confirm Detachment: Right-click the selected reference and choose ‘Detach’ from the context menu to remove the Xref from your drawing.

Converting Xrefs to Blocks

1. Select Xref: Open the External References palette and select the Xref you wish to convert.
2. Bind the Reference: Right-click and choose ‘Bind’ from the options presented.
3. Choose Binding Options: In the Bind Xrefs dialog box, select the desired option. Binding will convert the Xref into a block reference within your drawing.

Exploding an Xref

To effectively "explode" an Xref, use the following steps:

1. Ctrl + Right-Click: Click on the Xref while holding the Ctrl key and select ‘Xref Tools.’
2. Choose Bind: From the context menu, select "Bind" and ensure that you choose the option to retain original layers.
3. Incorporate into Drawing: This action will integrate the Xref entities into your current drawing, eliminating the need for the original reference.

Managing Xref Visibility

1. Layer Retention Setting: Check the value of the VISRETAIN variable, which is typically set to “1” to retain layer settings from the Xref.
2. Resolve Visibility Problems: If layers are not displaying correctly, consider resetting the variable or checking for corruption in the layer settings.

Using Xclip with Xrefs

1. Initiate Xclip: Enter XCLIP into the command line to start the clipping process.
2. Select Object: Choose the Xref or block that you want to clip.
3. Define Clipping Boundaries: Follow the prompts to establish the clipping boundaries for the selected object.

Fixing Xref Problems

1. Ensure Files are Accessible: Make sure that the folder containing your referenced files is properly unzipped and accessible.
2. Move Files Appropriately: Consider relocating the Xref files into the same directory as the main drawing to avoid path issues.
3. Adjust Permissions: Grant full read/write access to the location of the Xref files if they are stored on a server.

FAQs

Can I edit an Xref directly?
No, individual objects in an Xref cannot be modified in the current drawing. To make changes, open the Xref in its own window using the XOPEN command.

What should I do if my Xref is missing?
Ensure that the Xref file is located in the expected directory and, if necessary, update the path in the External References palette.

How do I retain layer settings from an Xref?
The VISRETAIN variable should be set to “1” to retain layer settings upon attaching an Xref. Adjust this setting if you encounter visibility issues.