Understanding Plotters in AutoCAD
Plotters are essential tools in the realm of AutoCAD used to generate high-quality printed outputs from digital drawings. They facilitate printing of line drawings, architectural plans, maps, and other graphical content by interpreting digital commands to produce detailed graphical representations on paper.
Setting Up an Xref in AutoCAD
To correctly implement an external reference (Xref) in AutoCAD, take the following steps:
- Access the External References Palette: Go to the “View” menu, select “Palettes,” and then click on “External References.” This opens the Xref manager.
- Attach the Xref: Click on the “Attach” option to select your desired drawing file to reference. This will insert the Xref into your current drawing.
- Choose Insertion Point and Scale: Upon attaching, you will be prompted to specify the insertion point and scale. Make sure these settings align with your drawing’s specifications.
Adjusting Plot Styles for Xrefs
To ensure your Xrefs are plotted correctly with the desired colors and properties, follow these detailed instructions:
- Open Page Setup Manager: Navigate to the layout tab where your drawing resides, and select “Page Setup Manager.” Find the specific page setup you want to edit.
- Modify Page Setup: Click on “Modify” to access the Page Setup dialog. Here, you can select the printer or plotter you wish to use.
- Customize Layer Colors: Open the Layers palette and change the colors of Xref layers to a lighter tone. An effective method is to set the VP Color (viewport color) of all Xref layers to a lighter gray for clarity.
Troubleshooting Non-Plotting Xrefs
If your Xrefs are not plotting as expected, consider the following steps to identify the issue:
- Check Layer Settings: Ensure that the layer on which the Xref resides is set up to plot. Layers can easily be set to “non-plot,” which can prevent them from printing.
- Validate Xref Visibility: Ensure that the visibility settings within the Xref manager allow for the layers to render during plotting.
Controlling Xref Appearance
Fading Xrefs can enhance the visual hierarchy of your drawing. To achieve this:
- Open Options Dialog: Type “OPTIONS” in the command line to bring up the Options dialog box.
- Adjust Fade Control: Locate the “Fade Control” section at the bottom-right corner. Use the slider bar to set the “Xref display” intensity as desired.
Understanding Xref Scale Factors
Xref scaling in AutoCAD is influenced by the drawing units set in both the host drawing and the Xref. To ensure correct scaling:
- Check the INSUNITS Value: This value dictates how blocks, images, and Xrefs scale upon insertion. Ensure that both the host and the Xref have compatible INSUNITS settings.
- Adjust Scale if Needed: If discrepancies are found, you may need to manually set the scale for your Xref to match the host drawing’s requirements.
Utilizing Visretain for Layer Management
The VISRETAIN system variable is crucial for controlling the visibility and properties of Xref layers. Here’s how to manage it:
- Check VISRETAIN Setting: Confirm that the VISRETAIN variable is set to “1” in AutoCAD for retaining Xref layer settings.
- Adjust VISRETAINMODE if Necessary: The VISRETAINMODE setting can affect what happens to your layers upon reloading Xrefs. Adjust this variable according to your project needs.
FAQs
1. Can I print a layout without including an Xref?
Yes, you can create a layout that does not include the Xref by adjusting the layer visibility settings or temporarily unloading the Xref from your drawing.
2. What should I do if my plots look different from what is on screen?
Check your plot style settings, layer colors, and ensure that the correct plotter is selected. Additionally, ensure that layers are set to plot and there are no discrepancies in scale factors.
3. How can I easily manage multiple Xrefs in my project?
Use the External References palette to manage your Xrefs efficiently. Keep them organized by naming conventions and utilizing layer properties to differentiate them clearly.
