Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
As you can see, when you use Xbind to import a named item, such as the Floor1|WALL layer,
the vertical bar (|) is replaced by two dollar signs surrounding a number, which is usually zero.
(If for some reason the imported layer name Floor1$0$WALL already exists, the zero in that
name is changed to 1, as in Floor1$1$WALL.) Other named items are renamed in the same way,
using the $0$ replacement for the vertical bar.
You can also use the Bind External Definitions dialog box to bind multiple layers as well as
other items from Xrefs attached to the current drawing. You can bind an entire Xref to a draw-
ing, converting it to a simple block. By doing so, you have the opportunity to maintain unique
layer names of the Xref being bound or to merge the Xref's similarly named layers with those of
the current file. See Chapter 7 for details.
Controlling the xref Search Path
One problem AutoCAD users have encountered in the past is lost or broken links to an Xref. This
occurs when an Xref file is moved from its original location or when you receive a set of drawings
that includes Xrefs. The Xref links are broken because AutoCAD doesn't know where to look.
Since AutoCAD 2005, you have had better control over how AutoCAD looks for Xref files.
When you insert an Xref, the Attach External Reference dialog box opens, offering you
options for insertion point, scale, and rotation. This dialog box also provides the Path Type
option, which enables you to select a method for locating Xrefs. You can choose from three Path
Type options:
Full Path
Lets you specify the exact filename and path for an Xref, including the disk drive
or network location. Use this option when you want AutoCAD to look in a specific location
for the Xref.
Relative Path
Lets you specify a file location relative to the location of the current or host
drawing. This option is useful when you know you'll maintain the folder structure of the
host and Xref files when moving or exchanging these files. Note that because this is a relative
path, this option is valid only for files that reside on the same local hard disk.
No Path
Perhaps the most flexible option, this tells AutoCAD to use its own search crite-
ria to find Xrefs. When No Path is selected, AutoCAD first looks in the same folder of the
host drawing; then it looks in the project search path defined in the Application tab of the
Application Preferences dialog box. Last, AutoCAD looks in the Support File Search Path
option, also defined in the Application tab of the Application Preferences dialog box. If you
plan to send your files to a client or a consultant, you may want to use this option.
Managing Layers
In a survey of AutoCAD users, Autodesk discovered that one of the most frequently used fea-
tures in AutoCAD is the Layer command. You'll find that you turn layers on and off to display
and edit the many levels of information contained in your AutoCAD files. All of the layer man-
agement tools can be found in the Format
Layer Tools submenu on the menu bar, but some are
also found on the Layers palette.
You can quickly revert to a previous layer setting by choosing Format
Layer Tools
Layer
Previous. The Layer Previous tool enables you to revert to the previous layer settings without
affecting other settings in AutoCAD. Note that Previous mode doesn't restore renamed or
deleted layers, nor does it remove new layers.
