Why use xrefs

The diagram to the left shows the sole situation where you might consider Xrefs in as Attachments. In this scenario, the planting plan is Xrefed into the irrigation plan, which is in turn Xrefed into the engineering base, and so on. Using Attachments and Overlays strategically can keep your working document uncluttered. If in doubt, just bring in each Xref as an Overlay and include any nested Xrefs in your main drawing — also as Overlays.

The Attach External Reference dialog box includes an option to Specify on-screen. Our recommendation for this setting depends on whether the Xref is already scaled. If you need to bring in a DWG, or an image such as a site plan that already has a scale, you'll need to:. To account for this scale, we've unchecked the Specify on-screen option and entered a scale factor of The scale factor you enter will depend entirely on the existing scale of the Xref and the scale of the drawing that is receiving the Xref.

If you're Xrefing in an image that has no existing scale, we recommend checking the Specify on-screen option. You can add a fade to your Xrefs using the Layer Properties Manager. You have two options in controlling the fade of the layers:. Filter the layers by Name , which will group all the Xref letters together. Locate and highlight all the Xref layers. You can highlight multiple layers at once by holding down the Shift key while clicking.

In this example, we'll select all the layers in an Xref named Example. Scroll over to the Transparency column, and click to edit any one of the highlighted layers. In the Layer Transparency dialog box, enter a new transparency value for your Xref layers between 0 and 90 example: The transparency of all selected layers — that is, all layers in your Xref — will change to the new value. Run a plot preview, and check the results. Repeat the steps above until your Xref has your desired level of transparency.

Keep in mind that the method described below will only only affect the Viewport in which you perform the steps. You can repeat these steps for each additional viewport where you want to fade an Xref. Scroll over to the VP Transparency column, and click to edit any one of the highlighted layers.

In the Layer Transparency dialog box, enter a new transparency value for your Xref layers for the selected viewport between 0 and 90 example: The transparency of all selected layers — that is, all layers in your Xref — will change to the new value for the selected viewport. Repeat the steps above until your Xref has your desired level of transparency in the viewport you selected.

If an Xref doesn't detach, it might be locked, nested within another Xref within the drawing. Our software now recognizes Work Areas in your Xrefs.

A Work Area, like a drawing within a drawing, allows you to divide your site design into distinct regions. This in turn allows you to:. When you select this option, the schedule will calculate and list any pertinent objects that have been placed in one of the Xrefs. Option to Include Xrefs , Plant Schedule dialog box. Keep in mind that this feature will only recognize plants or Xrefs that have been placed in drawing files that have been directly Xrefed into the main drawing.

The References Dialogue Box appears. So the layer name becomes arch-ceiling and so on. It helps to differentiate between layers when scrolling through the layer manager. You have to edit the original referenced file. At a minimum of 5 minutes per drawing, that would be at least 90 minutes of time that could be better spent on other things!

What do you think? Once you download and install DraftSight free day trial or purchased version , you will no longer be able to re-download or access any previous free version of DraftSight or earlier. Learn more about DraftSight here. Personalize your Cookie Choices. You have a choice of either defining them on-screen, or using standard defaults in the dialog box.

Once you make you decisions, press OK. Finish the Attachment by following the prompts on the command. You'll see that it is similar to inserting a block.

Insert the room to the point shown below at the top of the red triangle:. Now that you have an X-ref, there are more options for you if you right-click the filename of the XRef. Mirror along the top half, then mirror those to the bottom using the middle of the hallway door on the right as your mirror line. Working with X-ref's is usually quite straightforward, but there are some things to keep in mind. The insertion point is very important. Everyone on a project must be working on the same set of coordinates and insert points.

When you attach and X-ref, you insert that file's layers and blocks. This field allows you to determine whether external references being inserted into the drawing are visible when your drawing is referenced in others. Too Complicated? In general, use the Attachment option, in order to ensure that information is shown in a comprehensive and consistent way.

You will see that the drawing used as external reference is presented as a whole object. The edition of its entities is not possible. At least not directly.

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