How to Xref in AutoCAD 2019?

Understanding Xrefs in AutoCAD 2019

What is an Xref?
An external reference (Xref) in AutoCAD is a way to attach one drawing (the Xref) to another, allowing for collaborative work while keeping file sizes manageable. Changes made to the Xref will automatically update in the main drawing.

Steps to Create an Xref in AutoCAD 2025

1. Open the Command Input: Begin by typing AMAUTODETAIL in the command line and hit Enter.

2. Select Objects for Xref: A dialog named “Assembly Drawing Detailing” will appear. Choose the “Selection by Objects” option to select specific items you wish to reference.

3. Specify File Location: Input a file name for the Xref and select the desired folder for saving it.

4. Define Scale: Choose the “Create with Fixed Scale” option and determine the appropriate scale for your project.

5. Add Title Block: Specify a title block if needed, which can help in identifying the drawing when referenced.

How to Use an Xref in Your Drawing

1. Access Insert Functionality: Navigate to the Insert tab and click on the Reference panel. Select the “Attach” option.

2. Choose Your Xref File: In the dialog that opens, locate and select the file(s) you wish to attach, then click the Open button.

3. Configure Attachment Settings: In the “Attach External Reference” dialog, select the type as “Attachment.”

4. Set Insertion Parameters: Define the insertion point, scale (if different from the initial), and any desired rotation angle for how the Xref will appear in your drawing.

5. Finalize Attachment: Click OK to complete the attachment, making the Xref visible in your working environment.

Detaching an Xref

1. Open the External References Palette: Go to the View tab and select the Palettes panel, then choose “External References.”

2. Select the Reference to Detach: In the External Reference palette, identify the desired DWG reference.

3. Detach the Selected Reference: Right-click on the highlighted reference and select the “Detach” option from the menu.

Editing an Xref

To modify an Xref, it is necessary to edit the original drawing file. While you can measure or snap to its geometry, you cannot directly alter it within your current drawing. Use the XOPEN command for quick access to the Xref for editing.

Copying Xrefs

To duplicate an Xref from one drawing to another:

1. Select the Xref: Click on the Xref and press Ctrl + C to copy it, or choose Copy from the Edit menu.

2. Paste into a New Drawing: Open the new drawing, then use Edit and select “Paste with the Same Origin” to insert the Xref at the original position.

Differences Between Attach and Overlay

• Attach: Incorporates a copy of the Xref into your drawing file, meaning changes to it directly affect your drawing.
• Overlay: Establishes a link to the Xref without embedding it, offering a way to reference without directly affecting the main file.

FAQ

1. Can I edit an Xref without changing the original document?
Modifications to the Xref can only be made in the original drawing. While you can view it in your current drawing, true edits require opening the Xref file directly.

2. What if I want to use the geometry of an Xref in my drawing?
You have the option to bind the Xref to your drawing. This method effectively “explodes” the reference, allowing you to manipulate its geometry as if it were part of your drawing.

3. How can I organize multiple Xrefs in a single project?
Using the External References palette, you can manage and organize multiple Xrefs by naming them appropriately and utilizing overlays for efficient reference handling without cluttering your main drawing file.