How To Turn Off Reference In AutoCAD?

Understanding Reference Editing in AutoCAD

Reference editing allows users to make alterations to an external reference (Xref) or block while keeping the original file intact. This feature provides flexibility in managing large projects where modifications may be essential without direct alterations to the source files.

Steps to Disable Reference Editing in AutoCAD

If you want to turn off reference editing for your project in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

1. Access the Refedit Tool: Begin by locating and selecting the Refedit tool on the Refedit toolbar. Alternatively, you can enter “REFEDIT” into the command line and hit Enter.
2. Select the Reference: On the prompt, you will see “Select reference.” Here, you should click on the Xref or block you wish to edit. Ensure you select the correct element for editing.
3. Editing the Reference: Double-click on the chosen Xref or block. This action enables you to enter editing mode.
4. Ending the Editing Session: To finish editing, you will have two options:
   • Click the “Refclose and Save” button to apply any changes you’ve made back to the original Xref or block.
   • If you decide not to save your changes, select the “Refclose and Discard” option. This action will exit the editing session without retaining any modifications.

Turning Off Xref Layers in AutoCAD

You might also want to manage the visibility of Xref layers in AutoCAD. To do this, utilize the Layer Properties Manager:

1. Open Layer Properties Manager: Navigate to the Layers panel and open the Layer Properties Manager.
2. Find the Xref Layer: Locate the specific Xref layer you want to deactivate.
3. Turn Off the Layer: Click the light bulb icon next to the layer name to switch it off, which will hide it from your current drawing view.

Maintaining Layer Settings with Visretain

For managing how Xref layers are retained, ensure that the VISRETAIN variable is correctly set. This variable controls whether the layer states (like visibility and color) persist. To set it:

1. Access the Command Line: Type “VISRETAIN” in the command input and press Enter.
2. Set the Value: Ensure the value is set to “1” to retain layer settings. If encountering visibility issues, you may want to troubleshoot or reset it.

FAQ

1. Can Xref layers be turned off individually?
Yes, each Xref layer can be turned off individually through the Layer Properties Manager by clicking the visibility icon next to the layer.

2. What happens if I explode an Xref?
When you explode an Xref, it becomes part of the current drawing and loses its link to the original file, allowing for further modification within the drawing.

3. Can I still edit the original Xref after closing the editing session?
Yes, you can always reopen the original Xref file for further modifications. The changes made during an editing session will only affect the current drawing if saved.