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AutoCAD Tutorial

The document provides instructions for attaching an external reference (xref) in AutoCAD. It explains that xrefs allow viewing another drawing without inserting it, keeping file sizes smaller. Users can easily attach, detach, load, and unload xrefs to view updated versions or hide them without losing the link. Xrefs are ideal when references need to be non-permanent or when multiple users work on a shared drawing using the same linked files. The steps outlined attach an xref by selecting the file, setting it as an attachment, and clicking to place it at the desired insertion point.

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Velugoti Vijayachand
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326 views2 pages

AutoCAD Tutorial

The document provides instructions for attaching an external reference (xref) in AutoCAD. It explains that xrefs allow viewing another drawing without inserting it, keeping file sizes smaller. Users can easily attach, detach, load, and unload xrefs to view updated versions or hide them without losing the link. Xrefs are ideal when references need to be non-permanent or when multiple users work on a shared drawing using the same linked files. The steps outlined attach an xref by selecting the file, setting it as an attachment, and clicking to place it at the desired insertion point.

Uploaded by

Velugoti Vijayachand
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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AutoCAD tutorial: Attach an xref

Xrefs (external references) let you view another drawing within your current drawing without actually inserting that other drawing.

Why use xrefs?


2. 3. 1. Xrefs keep your drawing smaller. Each time you open a drawing, AutoCAD loads a current copy of the xref, so that you always have the most updated version. The drawing contains a link to the xref, so you dont have to worry if what youre seeing is outdated. You can attach and detach xrefs easily. You can also load and unloaded them to display or hide them, without losing the connection.

Xrefs are ideal for times when you need to reference another drawing but dont want the relationship to be permanent. They are also ideal for situations in which multiple people work on a drawing. For example, both an electrician and a plumber might add an architects plans to their drawing as an xref.

Attach an xref
Follow these steps to attach an xref: Choose Insert tab> Reference panel> Attach (the ATTACH command) to open the Select Reference File dialog box. (In earlier releases, this was the XATTACH command.) Make sure Drawing (*.dwg) is visible in the Files of Type drop-down list in the dialog box. If not, click the list and choose it. Navigate to the drawing you want to attach, choose it and click Open. The Attach External Reference dialog box appears.

Set the Reference Type to Attachment (the default). If you want, you can specify the scale, insertion point, and rotation in the dialog box. Click OK. If you used the settings you see in the dialog box here, youll be prompted for an insertion point. Youll see an image of the xref, so you can place it by eye if you want. Click to place the xref. Notes: 1. An overlay is useful when youre sharing drawings over a network. If someone else attaches your current drawing, that person doesnt see the overlay, only the main drawing. In the Scale section, you can check the Uniform Scale checkbox to ensure that the Y and Z values are always the same as the X value. This ensures that the xref isnt distorted from its original ratios.

2.

Do you use xrefs a lot? What tips do you have to make using xrefs easier and more efficient? Please leave a comment and let everyone know!

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