An XREF, or external reference, is a drawing file that is referenced within another drawing. This allows you to use the content of one drawing in multiple other drawings without duplicating the data. When the referenced drawing (XREF) is updated, the changes are reflected in all the drawings that reference it.
How to Use XREFs
- Attaching an XREF: You can attach an XREF by using the
XATTACHcommand or by going to the External References palette. Select the drawing file you want to reference and specify the insertion point, scale, and rotation. - Managing XREFs: The External References palette allows you to manage your XREFs. You can reload, detach, bind, or change the path of the XREFs from this palette.
- Overlay vs. Attach: When attaching an XREF, you can choose between “Overlay” and “Attach.” An overlay XREF is not carried over when the drawing is referenced in another drawing, while an attached XREF is.
Best Practices
- Consistent Coordinate System: Ensure all drawings use the same coordinate system to avoid alignment issues.
- Layer Management: Use layer management to control the visibility and properties of XREF layers.
- File Paths: Use relative paths for XREFs to avoid broken links when moving or sharing drawings.