Understanding Xref in AutoCAD
When working with AutoCAD, managing your external references (Xrefs) effectively is crucial for maintaining a clear and organized drawing environment. One common task is sending an Xref to the back of other objects in your workspace. This ensures that your primary drawings remain visible without obstruction from overlays or external references.
Steps to Send an Xref to the Back
Follow these detailed steps to effectively manipulate the layering of your Xrefs in AutoCAD:
1. Prepare Your Workspace
- Open your AutoCAD drawing file where the Xref is attached.
- Ensure that you can see the layers tab or the Properties palette.
2. Identify the Xref Layer
- Go to the Layer Properties Manager by clicking on the Layer tab.
- Locate the specific layer on which the Xref is saved. Ensure it is accessible.
3. Use the Draw Order Command
- Navigate to the Home tab and find the Modify panel.
- Click on the dropdown arrow to reveal more options.
- Select “Draw Order” from the list that appears.
4. Select the Xref
- Click on the Xref that you wish to send to the back.
- Make sure it is highlighted, indicating that it has been selected.
5. Send the Xref to the Back
- Return to the Draw Order dropdown.
- Select “Send to Back” from the available options.
- Confirm the action if prompted; you should now see the selected Xref move behind other objects in your drawing.
Alternative Method Using Layers
If you prefer a more layer-oriented approach, you can organize the visibility of your Xrefs through the Layer Properties Manager:
1. Access Layer Properties
- Open the Layer Properties Manager from the ribbon or by typing “LAYER” in the command line.
- Locate the layer associated with your Xref.
2. Change Layer Position
- In the Layer Properties Manager, find the layer you wish to adjust.
- Drag the layer down in the list of layers to change its stacking order.
Utilizing the Send to Back Feature
If you’re dealing with multiple objects and need finer control over what appears in front:
1. Multi-Select Objects
- Hold down the Ctrl key and click to select multiple objects, including the Xref you want to send back.
2. Apply Draw Order
- With your selections made, repeat the process with the Draw Order dropdown.
- Select “Send to Back” and all selected objects, including your Xref, will be adjusted accordingly.
FAQ
What is the purpose of using Xrefs in AutoCAD?
Xrefs are primarily used for collaborating on large projects by allowing multiple team members to work on different parts of a drawing without disturbing the main file.
Can I permanently delete an Xref after I’ve sent it to the back?
Sending an Xref to the back does not delete it; it only changes its visual hierarchy. To remove it permanently, you must detach it from the drawing.
How do I reattach an Xref after detaching it?
To reattach an Xref, go to the External References palette, click the attach button, and select the desired file again, ensuring you configure the insertion settings as needed.
