How to Bind AutoCAD? | TutoCAD

Understanding Binding in AutoCAD

Binding in AutoCAD refers to the process of incorporating external references (Xrefs) into your current drawing. This is essential for managing complex projects involving multiple files. When you bind an Xref, it becomes part of your drawing, allowing for easier sharing and printing.

Steps to Bind an Image in AutoCAD

1. Prepare the Image:

   • Open the image file in an image editing software like Paint.
   • Use the keyboard shortcut ‘Ctrl + A’ to select the entire image.
   • Press ‘Ctrl + C’ to copy the image to the clipboard.

2. Open Your AutoCAD Drawing:

   • Launch AutoCAD and open the file where the image will be inserted.

3. Paste the Image:

   • In the command line, type PASTESPEC and press ENTER.
   • Choose the appropriate options to paste your image into the drawing.

How to Bind an Image in AutoCAD 2025

1. Copy the Image:

   • Open the image in a suitable application and copy it to the clipboard as detailed above.

2. Insert Your Drawing:

   • Start AutoCAD and load your drawing file.

3. Use the Paste Special Command:

   • Type PASTESPEC in the command line and hit ENTER.
   • Follow the prompts to complete the image insertion.

Working with Xrefs: Binding and Inserting

What Does Binding an Xref Mean?

Binding an Xref means integrating the external reference into your drawing, turning it into a block reference. This simplifies project management by allowing all elements to exist in a single file.

Steps to Insert an Xref in AutoCAD

1. Access the Insert Tab:

   • Click on the Insert tab and navigate to the Reference panel.

2. Attach the Reference File:

   • Click on the ‘Attach’ option.
   • In the dialog box, locate and select the desired reference file to attach.

3. Configure Attachment Settings:

   • In the Attach External Reference dialog, choose “Attachment” for the reference type.
   • Set the insertion point, scale, and rotation angle as needed.

4. Finalize Attachment:

   • Click OK to complete the process of inserting the Xref.

Converting Image Files: JPG to DWG

1. Copy Image Data:

   • From your image editing tool, select the image and copy it.

2. Use Paste Special in AutoCAD:

   • In your drawing file, click on the Edit menu, and choose Paste Special.
   • Opt for ‘Paste’ and select ‘Picture (Metafile)’.

3. Insert the Image:

   • Confirm by clicking OK, successfully converting and inserting your JPG into the AutoCAD environment.

Binding a PDF into AutoCAD

1. Access the Insert Tab:

   • Navigate to the Insert tab and click on the Reference panel.

2. Select the PDF file:

   • Choose the PDF underlay option by clicking Attach and selecting the desired PDF.

3. Set the Page Options:

   • Choose the specific pages you want to insert and click OK to complete the binding.

Creating a Bound DWG

1. Open the Reference Palette:

   • Click on the Insert tab and use the dialog box launcher in the Reference panel.

2. Select the Reference:

   • In the External References palette, find and select the reference you wish to bind.

3. Bind the Reference:

   • Right-click on the selected reference and choose Bind.
   • In the bind options dialog, choose between Bind or Bind as an overlay.

Resizing an Image in AutoCAD

1. Draw a Reference Line:

   • Type LINE in the command line and draw a line representing the desired size of the image.

2. Scale the Image:

   • Select the image you want to resize and type SCALE in the command line, then press ENTER.
   • Click on the base point of the image and type ‘R’ for Reference.

3. Adjust the Scale:

   • Enter the length of the drawn reference line when prompted.

FAQ

Can I explode an Xref in AutoCAD?
You cannot directly explode an Xref. However, by binding it first, you can then convert it into a block and proceed to explode it.

How do I eTransmit a CAD file?
Ensure your drawing is saved. Then, click the application button on the top left, navigate to Publish, and select eTransmit for packaging your file.

Is it ‘binded’ or ‘bound’?
The correct term is “bound,” which is the appropriate past tense of the verb “bind.” “Binded” is not a correct form.