Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Think of these composite files as final plot files that are used only for plotting and reviewing.
You can then edit the smaller, more manageable Xref files. Figure 14.6 illustrates the relationship
of these files.
FIGURE 14.6
A diagram of Xref
file relationships
Column grid
Second floor
First floor
Common
External reference files do not become
part of the receiving files database.
Combined files
using Xrefs
The combinations of Xrefs are limited only by your imagination, but you should avoid mul-
tiple Xrefs of the same file in one drawing.
U P D A T I N G B L O C K S I N X R E F S
Several advantages are associated with using Xref files. Because the Xrefs don't become part of
the drawing file's database, the referencing files remain small. Also, because Xref files are easily
updated, work can be split up among several people in a workgroup environment or on a net-
work. For example, for your hypothetical apartment-building project, one person can be editing
the Common file while another works on Floor1, and so on. The next time the composite Xref-1.
dwg or Xref-2.dwg file is opened, it automatically reflects any new changes made in the Xref
files. Let's see how to set this up:
1. Save and close the Xref-2 file, and then open the Common.dwg file.
2. Update the unit plan you edited earlier in this chapter. Click the Insert tool on the Tool
Sets palette. You can also type I ↵.
3. In the Insert Block dialog box, click the Browse button, and then locate and select Unit.
dwg. If you can't find your Unit.dwg file, you can use 14b-unit.dwg. Click Open, and
then click Insert in the Insert Block dialog box.
4. If a warning message appears, click Redefine Block.
5. At the Specify insertion point: prompt, press the Esc key.
6. Enter RE ↵ to regenerate the drawing. You see the new unit plan in place of the old one
(see Figure 14.7). You may also see all the dimensions and notes for each unit.
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