In AutoCAD, external references (Xrefs) are an essential tool for collaborating with others or working on large projects. However, there may be instances where you need to change the file path or update an external reference. In this tutorial, we will explore the step-by-step process of changing an external reference in AutoCAD.
Step 1: Open the External References Manager
To begin, open your AutoCAD drawing and navigate to the “Insert” tab in the ribbon. Look for the “Reference Panel” and click on the “External References Manager” button. Alternatively, you can type “XREF” in the command line and press Enter.
Step 2: Select the External Reference to Change
A dialog box will appear, displaying a list of all the external references attached to your drawing. Select the reference that you want to change by clicking on it once, then click on the “Open Reference” button at the bottom right of the dialog box.
Step 3: Modify Path or Update Reference
The selected external reference will open in a new window. Here, you have two options:
- Modify Path: If you want to change the file path of the reference, go to the “Path Type” column and click on a cell for the desired path type (Full path or Relative path). Then, click on the ellipsis button (..) next to it to browse for and select a new file location.
- Update Reference: If you already have a correct file path but need to update any changes made to that referenced file (e.g., changes in layers or geometry), go to the “Status” column and click on a cell for that reference. Then, click on the “Update” button at the bottom right of the window.
After modifying the path or updating the reference, you can also choose to reload or unload the reference using the respective buttons available at the bottom of the window.
Step 4: Save Changes and Close
Once you are satisfied with your changes, click on the “OK” button in the External References Manager dialog box. AutoCAD will update the external reference according to your modifications.
It is important to note that changing an external reference may affect other drawings that depend on it. Therefore, it is recommended to communicate any modifications made to those who are working on related projects.
Tips:
- Purge Unreferenced Data: After changing an external reference, it is a good practice to purge any unreferenced data from your drawing. This will help reduce file size and optimize performance.
You can do this by typing “PURGE” in the command line and selecting “Purge All” or specific items from the list.
- Keep Track of Reference Paths: When collaborating with others or working on different computers, it is crucial to keep track of external reference paths and ensure they remain valid. If a referenced file is moved or renamed, AutoCAD will not be able to find it, and you will need to update the path accordingly.
By following these steps, you can easily change an external reference in AutoCAD. Whether you need to modify file paths or update references due to changes in referenced files, this tutorial has provided you with a comprehensive guide for managing external references effectively.