How to Bind Xrefs in AutoCAD 2014

Understanding Xrefs in AutoCAD

Xrefs, or external references, allow users to link other drawings or images to their current AutoCAD project. This capability facilitates robust collaboration and organization, especially in complex designs. Binding Xrefs consolidates these references into a single drawing, making it easier to manage and share.

Step-by-Step Guide to Binding Xrefs in AutoCAD 2025

Accessing the External References Palette

1. Navigate to the Insert Tab: Start by clicking on the Insert tab located on the top toolbar.
2. Open the External References Panel: Look for the Reference panel, and click on the dialog box launcher icon (a small arrow) to access the External References palette.

Selecting and Binding an Xref

1. Choose the Reference to Bind: In the External References palette, identify and select the Xref (reference) you wish to bind.
2. Initiate the Binding Process: Right-click on the selected Xref. A context menu will appear. Click on the "Bind" option.

Configuring the Binding Method

1. Choose Binding Options: The Bind Xrefs dialog box will show two primary options:

   • Bind: This option merges the Xref into the current drawing while maintaining its original path.
   • Attach: This option keeps the Xref linked but incorporates it into the drawing.

   Choose the appropriate option based on your project requirements, then click "OK."

2. Finalizing the Process: Close any remaining dialog boxes by clicking "OK." The Xref is now bound to your drawing.

Binding Multiple Xrefs in AutoCAD

Open the Command Line

1. Access the Command Line: Enter the command "-XR" directly in the command line to initiate the binding process for multiple references.

Inputting Bind Commands

1. Select Bind Option: When prompted, type "B" for Bind, then press Enter.

2. Choosing Multiple References: Specify which Xrefs you wish to bind:

   • Type the name of each Xref individually.
   • Separate multiple names with commas (,).
   • Use an asterisk (*) to bind all Xrefs simultaneously.
3. Confirm Your Choices: Press Enter to execute the command and bind the selected Xrefs.

Managing and Refreshing Xrefs

Access the Xrefs Palette

1. Open the External References Palette: Click on the View tab and go to the Palettes panel to find the External References option.

Reloading Xrefs

1. Select an Xref to Reload: Click on the Xref you want to refresh. Right-click and select "Reload" to update the reference with any changes made in the original file.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens when I bind an Xref?
When you bind an Xref, its objects are converted into a block reference, allowing it to become part of the current drawing. This ensures that no external links are necessary for the bound items.

2. Can I detach an Xref after binding it?
Once an Xref is bound, it cannot be detached as it becomes an integrated part of the drawing itself. If you want to remove it, you would need to delete the block it formed.

3. How can I confirm that my Xrefs are correctly bound?
You can check the External References palette to ensure that the names of the bound references no longer show up as external. If they are listed under the current drawing, they have been successfully bound.