External references (xrefs)
External references link other drawings into yours without copying them. Teams use them so everyone works from the same up-to-date base plans, survey and grids.
In this lesson you will
- Attach DWG files as external references
- Choose between attach and overlay
- Reload, unload, clip and fade xrefs
- Understand xref layers, paths and binding
Why use xrefs
An xref shows another drawing inside yours, live. The architect's floor plan can be referenced into the structural, electrical and furniture drawings; when the architect saves a change, everyone sees it on reload. Nothing is copied, so there is one source of truth and files stay small.
Attaching an xref
- 1Type
XRto open the External References palette. - 2Click Attach DWG and choose the file.
- 3Set Path type to Relative (so the link survives moving the project folder).
- 4Set insertion point to
0,0, scale 1 and rotation 0 so drawings line up — agree a common origin with your team. - 5Choose Attach or Overlay (below) and click OK.
Attach or overlay
Attach — if someone references your drawing, they also see the xrefs attached inside it (nesting). Overlay — nested xrefs are not carried through. Use overlay for backgrounds you only need to see yourself (the survey under your site plan), which avoids circular references between consultants.
Working with xrefs
- Reload: a balloon warns when a referenced file changes; right-click › Reload.
- Unload: hides it but keeps the link — faster than deleting.
- Clip:
XCLIPshows only part of an xref — handy for enlarged plans.
- Fade: the Xref Fading setting greys xrefs so your own work stands out.
- Layers: xref layers appear as
FILENAME|LAYER. Freeze them in your drawing without affecting the source;VISRETAINcontrols whether those changes are kept.
- Edit: open the source file (right-click › Open) — changes belong in the source.
Issuing drawings with xrefs
When sending DWGs to others, either send the referenced files too (ETRANSMIT packages everything) or Bind the xrefs so they become part of the drawing. PDFs don't need either — xrefs plot like normal geometry.
Quick reference
| Command / tool | How to start it | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| XREF | XR | External References palette |
| XATTACH | XA | Attach a DWG reference |
| XCLIP | XC | Clip an xref |
| ETRANSMIT | Type the name | Packages a drawing with its references |
| XBIND / Bind | Right-click in palette | Makes references permanent |
Common mistakes
Xref shows as ‘Not found’.
The file moved or was renamed. Re-path it in the palette; use relative paths.
Consultant's drawings don't line up.
Insert at 0,0 with scale 1 and agree a shared origin and units.
Exercise
A referenced project
- Save your floor plan as
A-plan.dwg. - Create
E-lighting.dwgand xref A-plan at 0,0 using a relative path, as an overlay. - Fade the xref and draw lighting symbols over it.
- Change a wall in A-plan, save, and reload the xref in E-lighting.
- Clip the xref to show only one room.
You should end up with: Two linked drawings that stay in step.
Checklist
0 of 5 checked · saved on this device
Lesson quiz
Changes saved in a referenced file appear in the host drawing after reload.
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Taking the quiz marks it complete too. Your course page picks up where you stopped.
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