How To Turn Off Reference Editing In AutoCAD?

Understanding Reference Editing in AutoCAD

Reference editing allows users to modify external references (Xrefs) or block references directly within an AutoCAD drawing. Occasionally, it may be necessary to exit this editing mode to return to the regular drawing environment. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively turn off reference editing in AutoCAD.

Steps to Exit Reference Editing

1. Locate the Edit Session:
   Ensure you are currently in an active reference edit session. You will notice this by the Refedit toolbar or dialog opened in your workspace.

2. Choose the Exit Option:

   • If you wish to save your changes:
     • Click on the Refclose and Save button. This option will commit any modifications made during the session back to the original Xref source or block definition.
   • If you prefer not to save changes:
     • Click on the Refclose and Discard button. This action will terminate the editing session without applying any modifications to the original reference.

3. Utilize Commands:

   • Type REFCLOSE in the command line and hit Enter. This will bring up options to save or discard changes, similar to using the buttons above.
   • Optionally, you can also press ESC a couple of times to quickly exit out of reference editing.
4. Confirm the Exit:
   After selecting the option to exit, check your drawing area to ensure that you have successfully exited the reference edit mode. The changes will reflect based on the option you selected to save or discard.

Additional Tips on Managing Xrefs

• Check for Active Xrefs:
  If you frequently find yourself in a reference edit session, review your open Xrefs. Use the XREF command to see all attached references and address any that may not be needed.

• Manage Layers:
  If certain layers within the Xref are not receptive to changes, ensure you have the proper permissions and that the layer is set to "unlocked."

• Edit Block In-Place:
  For block references, use the REFEDIT command similarly for direct editing. Make sure to close this session appropriately to avoid any unwanted changes.

FAQs

1. What happens if I exit reference editing without saving?
Exiting without saving means all modifications made during the session will be discarded. The original Xref will remain unchanged.

2. Can I edit an Xref after I’ve closed the reference editing session?
Yes, you can edit an Xref at any time by using the XOPEN command or re-entering the reference editing session as needed.

3. Is it possible to prevent certain references from being edited?
You can lock the layer or the Xref itself to prevent accidental edits or changes during your work in AutoCAD.