Blocks and external references

Last updated: 2021-11-09

Full video time: 80:01

Both Block References (aka Blocks) and External References (aka Xrefs) allow you to bring previously created, external objects into your Civil 3D cartoon.

A Block is an object type that is made up of one or more other drawings objects. When objects are contained in a Cake, they are easily inserted into any cartoon to avoid duplicated work in assembling the various objects making up the Block. Blocks are typically used for Survey Point Markers, standard structure or plan details, programme set sheet text and typical plan-view linework. Blocks can exist dynamics in that yous take special control options for visibility or editing. They tin can too contain attributes, which are text objects whose content can exist edited while locking down the text Style/Layer/etc.

You tin can call up of an Xref as a view in a destination drawing back to a source drawing. In the destination drawing, the Xref source objects are protected from editing beyond Layer display control. Additionally, a source cartoon tin can be Externally Referenced into multiple destination drawings simultaneously. Whenever a alter is made to an Xref source drawing, y'all are prompted in the destination drawing to update the Xref. In this way, the referenced source content is easily kept upwards to engagement and consistent throughout all destination drawings. Xrefs can be used in pattern drawings to see and reference linework or other objects for the purposes of design without actually having those reference objects in your current drawing. Another use for an Xref is for displaying existing weather or other site objects needed on multiple plan sheets. If yous only want to brandish sure objects from the Xref on certain programme sheets, you lot can accomplish this through Viewport Freezing Layer control. More detailed information on program production will be covered in later on training module.

ClosedBlock creation basics

In this exercise, you will create a Block such that you lot take Layer control of the Block once created. You lot will practise this past setting the objects making up the Cake on Layer 0.

  1. Open acad-blk-xref-begin.dwg
  2. Set Current Layer = 0
  3. Ribbon > Dwelling tab > Depict console > Circumvolve
    1. Describe a Circle
      1. Radius = fifteen±
    2. Ribbon > Home tab > Depict panel > Polyline
      1. Draw a Polyline inside the circumvolve at its quadrants using quadrant Osnap.

  4. Ribbon > Insert tab > Block panel > Create

    Info: bl is a command line "hotkey" that also invoke the block command.

    1. Name = test
    2. Base of operations Point
      1. Specify on-screen = unchecked
      2. Selection point
        1. Use Osnaps to specify middle of Circle
    3. Settings
      1. Cake unit = unitless
    4. Objects
      1. Specify on-screen = unchecked
      2. Catechumen to block = filled
      3. Select objects
        1. Select Circumvolve and Polyline
        2. enter
    5. Behavior
      1. Annotative = unchecked
      2. Calibration uniformly = checked
      3. Allow exploding = checked
    6. OK
  5. Select test Cake
    1. Properties palette > Full general
      1. Layer = E_ALI_Marker
      2. Notice Layer properties take event

      Info: In social club to accept Layer control of a Block Reference, the objects included in the Cake must exist placed on Layer 0. The Block itself can then be placed on any Layer as needed and the Layer properties will take consequence.

ClosedBlock creation continued, attributes & editing

In this exercise, you will create a Block such that you exercise not have Layer control, and then edit the Block and so that you exercise accept Layer control. Y'all will also learn how to add a Block Attribute, which is a text object contained in the Cake whose backdrop are protected and whose content value tin can be edited in a user-friendly interface. When you lot insert an Attributed Block into a cartoon, you will be prompted to enter specific information for the aspect content. Block Attributes are a great way to ensure that necessary text information is entered and that it is in the correct format. In the process of completing this exercise, you will take an introductory wait at the Block Editor interface.

  1. Go along working in acad-blk-xref-begin.dwg
  2. Current Layer = E_ALI
  3. Ribbon > Abode tab > Draw panel > Circle
    1. Describe a Circumvolve
      1. Radius = 15±
    2. Ribbon > Home tab > Draw console > Polyline
      1. Describe a Polyline inside the circumvolve at its quadrants using quadrant Osnap.
  4. bl enter
    1. Name = test2
    2. Base Point
      1. Option betoken
        1. Utilise Osnaps to specify center of Circle
  5. Objects
    1. Select objects
      1. Select Circle and Polyline
      2. enter
  6. Select test2 Cake
    1. Backdrop palette > General
      1. Layer = E_ALI_Marker
      2. Notice Layer properties non taking effect

      Info: If a Cake has been created such that you exercise non have Layer control, you can enter Block Editor and place the objects contained in the Block on Layer 0. And then you lot will take Layer control of the Block.

  7. Ribbon > Insert tab > Block panel > Edit

    Info: 2 alternative ways to open block editor is by but double-clicking on the block on cull it from the list, or by right-clicking and selecting edit block.

    1. Cake to create or edit = test2
    2. OK
      1. Select Circle and Polyline
        1. Properties > General
          1. Layer = 0
      2. Cake Editor Ribbon > Close panel > Shut Block Editor

        1. Save the changes to test2

  8. Detect Layer properties have event
  9.  Select test2 Block
    1. Properties palette > General
      1. Layer = E_ALI
  10. Double-click test2 Block
    1. Cake to create or edit = test2
    2. OK
      1. Cake Editor Ribbon > Action Parameters console > Attribute Definition
        1. Attribute
          1. Tag = Marker_ID
          2. Prompt = Enter Marker ID
          3. Default = Default ID
        2. Text Settings
          1. Annotative = unchecked
          2. Text Meridian = one
        3. OK
      2. Specify insertion indicate of Attribute inside Circle
    3. Cake Editor Ribbon > Close panel > Close Block Editor
      1. Save the changes to test2
  11. Ribbon > Insert tab > Blocks console flyout > Synchronize Attributes
    1. Enter an option: Select
    2. Select test2 Block
    3. enter
  12. Double-click test2 Block
    1. Enhanced Attribute Editor > Attribute tab
      1. Value = 12345
      2. OK

ClosedInsert from block definition & edit insertion point

In this exercise you volition learn to insert a Block from the definition stored in the current drawing. Y'all will also learn two methods to reset a Block insertion signal in Block Editor.

  1. Continue with acad-blk-xref-begin.dwg
  2. Ribbon > Insert tab > Block panel > Insert dropdown > Recent Blocks
    1. Click test2 block
      1. Insertion point = checked
      2. Compatible Scale = unchecked
        1. value = one
      3. Rotation = unchecked
        1. value = 0
      4. Drag and drop block test2 into modelspace.
        1. Edit Attributes
          1. Enter Marker ID = 6789
        2. OK
  3. Block Editor opens automatically
    1. Select all cake objects
    2. yard enter
      1. Specify base of operations bespeak: lesser quadrant of circle
      2. Specify 2d point: 0,0 enter
    3. Block Editor Ribbon > Close panel > Close Block Editor
      1. Save the changes to test2
      2. Observe grip edit has moved to lower quadrant of circle.
  4. exist enter
    1. cull test2 from list
      1. OK
    2. Cake Editor Ribbon > Action Parameters panel > Basepoint
      1. Select the centre of the circle using Osnap.
    3. Block Editor Ribbon > Shut panel > Close Block Editor
      1. Save the changes to test2
      2. Notice grip edit has moved to the center of circle.

ClosedWrite cake (WBLOCK)

The WBLOCK control will write a Block Definition based on either existing Blocks or objects in the current drawing or the unabridged current drawing to a new, external drawing. This workflow is unremarkably used to write an entire drawing that has become decadent to Block in order to leave behind those elements causing the abuse. This Cake can then be inserted into a new drawing created from the appropriate template.

  1. Continue with acad-blk-xref-begin.dwg

  2. wblock enter

    Info: When an entire cartoon is written to a Cake Definition using WBLOCK, the insertion point for the newly written Block will exist at the aforementioned location relative to the newly written Block objects as the 0,0 coordinate in the original drawing was to the original drawing objects.

    Tip: In the case where WBLOCK is used to insert an entire drawing into a bare drawing started from an appropriate template in order to leave backside corruption, the Insertion point: Specify on-screen pick is typically unchecked. This way the objects in the original drawing and the Block inserted into the new drawing will be a the aforementioned coordinates. Additionally, the Explode option is typically checked. This fashion the newly inserted Block is automatically broken down to the level of the objects in the original drawing,

    1. Source = Entire cartoon

    2. Destination

      1. File name and path: ...

        1. Scan to binder containing acad-blk-xref-begin.dwg

        2. File name = new block.dwg

        3. Salvage

    3. Insert units = unitless

    4. OK

    5. Include AutoCAD Map data in the export?

      1. No

  3. Ribbon > Insert tab > Block panel > Insert
    1. Contempo blocks:
      1. Choose new block and elevate into modelspace
  4. x enter for explode
    1. select new block
      1. enter
      2. Notice that the block has been exploded into the two blocks independent within new block. This is called a nested block.

Tip: Some other method to insert an entire drawing into another cartoon is to drag and drop the DWG file from Windows File Explorer into the Civil 3D drawing area.

  1. Windows File Explorer
    1. Browse to folder containing new block.dwg
    2. Select new block.dwg
      1. Drag and driblet into Civil 3D drawing area
  2. Specify insertion point well-nigh other cartoon objects
    1. Enter x scale factor <1>:
      1. enter
    2. Enter y scale factor <use x calibration cistron>:
      1. enter
    3. Specify rotation angle <0>:
      1. enter

ClosedBlock Definitions, Insert Methods, Purge

In this video you will how it is possible to purge Block Definitions if they are non currently inserted into the drawing are or referenced past Civil 3D or AutoCAD Styles. You volition and so use the Add together Marking Symbols tool located on the Ribbon WisDOT Standards tab to bring those Block Definitions back into the cartoon. The Add Marker Symbols tool can be used to add the standard WisDOT Marker Blocks into any drawing regardless of whether that cartoon e'er had those Block Definitions or non.

  1. Open acad-blk-xref-01.dwg
  2. Delete all blocks in modelspace.
  3. Ribbon > Insert tab > Block panel > Insert dropdown
    1. Discover exam, test2 and new cake listed.
    2. Choose block A/C
      1. Insert block into modelspace.
  4. Ribbon > WisDOT Sheets tab > Standards Components panel > Cake Symbols
  5. Ribbon > Insert tab > Cake panel > Insert dropdown
    1. Observe many new blocks in the list.
  6. Ribbon > Insert tab > Block panel > Insert dropdown > Contempo blocks
    1. Switch to Current Drawing tab in Blocks palette
    2. Select block ZOR
      1. Insertion Point = checked
      2. Place block in modelspace.
  7. Delete all blocks in modelspace.
  8. Verify that all block definitions withal exist in the Insert dropdown list.
  9. Pu enter to run the purge command.

    1. Items not used in cartoon

      1. select Blocks

    2. Purge Checked Items

    3. Purge All Checked Items

    4. Notice blocks test and test2 now show upward in the purge list. This is because these were nested blocks within the new block definition. In one case new block was purged, these 2 block definitions were added to the drawing.

      1. Echo the above steps to purge test and test2

        Info: Alternatively, the option purge nested items could have been checked in society to remove examination and test2 since these were nested blocks.

      1. Shut

  10. Ribbon > Insert tab > Block console > Insert dropdown

    1. Notice ZOR, test, test2 and new cake not listed

  11. Ribbon > WisDOT Sheets tab > Standards Components panel > Cake Symbols to add all WisDOT cake definitions back into the drawing.
  12. Ribbon > Insert tab > Cake panel > Insert dropdown

    1. Observe ZOR listed

ClosedDesign center: Insert block

In this practice yous will explore options to insert a Block Definition from an external drawing when it is not available through the WisDOT contextual tabs. You can either insert an entire external drawing using the INSERT command or option which Block(s) to insert from an external drawing using the Design Eye interface.

  1. Go on working in acad-blk-xref-01.dwg
  2. Ribbon > Insert tab > Block panel > Insert dropdown
    1. Select new block
    2. Specify insertion point anywhere in drawing area
  3. i enter
    1. Drag and drop new block from the Blocks palette.
  4. Delete the blocks placed in higher up steps.
  5. Purge enter
    1. Items not used in drawing
      1. select Blocks
    2. Purge Checked Items
    3. Purge This Particular
    4. Repeat the to a higher place steps to remove the cake definition test which was a nested block.

  6. Ribbon > Domicile tab > Palettes panel flyout > Blueprint Center

    Info: dc is a command line "hotkey" that also invoke the Design Center palette. Alternatively, ctrl + 2 volition besides open Design Center.

    1. Folders tab > aggrandize Folder list to new block.dwg

    3. Select Blocks
    4. Drag and drop test2 into drawing area

      5. Info: Another way to insert a cake is to correct-click on the block in Design Center, and choose Insert Block. All insert options tin can exist modified in the resulting Insert dialog box.

  7. Edit Attributes
    1. Enter Marker ID: WisDOT
    2. OK

ClosedWisDOT sheets tab: topo tool palette

The topography Blocks used equally Betoken Markers in Ceremonious 3D Indicate Styles can be institute and inserted directly as Blocks into any cartoon through the WisDOT Topo Tool Palette, which is found on the WisDOT Sheets contextual Ribbon. The Blocks inserted from these Tool Palettes are defined in external source drawings that install with the WisDOT Standards package.

  1. Open acad-blk-xref-02.dwg
  2. Ribbon > WisDOT Sheets
    1. Sheet Creation Components panel > Topo
    2. Tools panel > Palettes ON/OFF
      1. Topo Tool Palette > BuildingFencesTrees tab
        1. Tree Stump
          1. Specify insertion bespeak well-nigh other drawing objects
  3. Select STMP Block
    1. Properties palette > General
      1. Layer = E_LAND_Vegetation
  4. Select STMP Block
  5. Ribbon > Domicile tab > Layers > Make Electric current

Info: The Blocks included on the Topo Tool Palette are as well included as Cake Definitions in most of the WisDOT templates. They are referenced as Signal Markers in Civil 3D Signal Styles which are also included in the WisDOT templates. More detailed information on Civil 3D Signal Styles and Markers can be institute in the Points training module.

ClosedAutomatic scaling: cake units & insertion units

When a Block is inserted into a drawing information technology will be automatically scaled by a gene based on the cartoon Insertion Units and the individual Cake Units. The calibration factor applied to a Block upon insertion will stand for the Block in terms of the cartoon Insertion Units. For case, a Block with Block Units of "inches" and a length magnitude of 24 that is inserted into a drawing with Insertion Units of "feet" will be scaled by a factor of 1/12 and will be have a length magnitude of 2 after insertion. Both the Insertion Units and the Block Units must be set up to a value other than "unitless" in order for this form of automated scaling to take place. If either is set to unitless in the source drawing, the Block will come up in with the same length quantity as that in the source drawing.

Info: Note that automated Block scaling is not Annotative scaling, which will be covered in afterwards training modules.

  1. Proceed working in acad-blk-xref-02.dwg
  2. Select STMP Block
  3. Properties palette > Misc
    1. Discover Cake Unit of measurement = Unitless
    2. Observe that this field is not editable hither
  4. BE enter

    1. Cake to create or edit = STMP

    2. OK

    3. Properties palette > Block

      1. Units = Inches

    4. Block Editor Ribbon > Close console > Close Block Editor

      1. Save the changes to STMP

        Warning: The Blocks included in the WisDOT Tool Palettes and various Templates should not exist edited by the finish user. This training module practice is intended to teach you full general Block behavior. You lot may need to edit Blocks coming from outside of WisDOT, however.

  5. units enter
    1. Units to calibration inserted content to: feet
    2. OK
  1. i enter
    1. drag and drop the STMP block into modelspace.
    2. Select the block and open the Backdrop palette.
      1.  Misc
        1. Observe Unit of measurement factor = 0.0833
      2.  Geometry
        1. Observe Scale = 0.0833
      3. esc
    3. Select the starting time block that was placed in the practice and open the Properties palette.
      1.  Misc
        1. Observe Unit gene = 0.0833
      2.  Geometry
        1. Discover Scale = 12
      3. esc

  2. Topo Tool Palette > BuildingFencesTrees tab

    1. Tree Stump

      1. Specify insertion betoken near other objects

      2. Observe lack of automatic scaling

      Info: When a Block is inserted from an external Block Definition, such every bit the source cartoon used by the WisDOT Topo Tool Palette, the Cake will scale based on the units in that external source drawing fifty-fifty if the Cake Definition in the current drawing has been edited to have different Block units. To avoid this, the Block Definition in the source drawing would demand to be edited.

  3. Topo Tool Palette > BuildingFencesTrees tab
    1. Right-click Tree Stump
    2. Redefine
    3. Select the smallest block and open the Properties palette.
      1.  Misc
        1. Block Unit: Unitless
        2. Find Unit gene = one
      2.  Geometry
        1. Observe Scale = 0.0833
      3. esc
    4. Select 1 of the larger blocks and open the Properties palette.
      1.  Misc
        1. Cake Unit: Unitless
        2. Detect Unit factor = 1
      2.  Geometry
        1. Find Calibration = 1
      3. esc
  4. qselect enter
    1. Object type = cake reference
    2. Properties = name
    3. Value = STMP
    4. OK
    5. Observe that 10 and Y coordinate *VARIES* on the Backdrop palette
    6. Fix Scale = one
      1. Observe that the small block is not the same size as the other ii blocks.

ClosedAutomated scaling: redefine block from design middle

The Blocks included on the WisDOT Tool Palettes can be redefined in a drawing past right-clicking on the corresponding Tool Palette push and choosing Redefine. For those Blocks not included on the WisDOT Tool Palettes, you tin redefine the cartoon Block Definition by browsing to the source drawing through Design Center. This exercise goes through the workflow to redefine a Block through Blueprint Center.

  1. Continue with acad-blk-xref-02.dwg
  2. Select test2 Cake
  3. Exist enter
    1. Cake to create or edit = test2
    2. OK
  4. Properties palette > Block
    1. Units = Inches
    2. Block Editor Ribbon > Close console > Close Cake Editor
      1. Save the changes to test2
  5. i enter
    1. Elevate and drop test2 into modelspace.
    2. OK
    3. Observe that this block is smaller than the ane that was already in the drawing due to irresolute the units to inches in the block definition.
  6. DC enter
    1. Folders
      1.  Browse to new block.dwg
        1. Blocks
          1. Drag & drop test2 into modelspace.
          2. OK
  7. Properties palette
    1.  Geometry
      1. Observe Calibration = 12

Info: In club to Insert a Cake from an external source, such equally through a Design Center, and have that external Block Definition update that in the current drawing, the Block in the external source cartoon must exist edited. Then you can browse to that Cake in the external source through Design Middle and redefine any instances of that Block Definition in the electric current cartoon. This is the aforementioned functionality that is found by right-clicking a WisDOT Tool Palette button and choosing Redefine, simply it applies to any Cake even if it is not included in the WisDOT Tool Palette.

  1. Open new cake.dwg
  2. Exist enter
    1. Block to create or edit = test2
    2. OK
  3. Properties palette > Block
    1. Units = Inches
    2. Block Editor Ribbon > Shut panel > Close Cake Editor
      1. Salve the changes to test2
  4. Application menu > SaveAs
    1. File name = new block1.dwg
    2. Save
  5. DC enter
    1. Folders
      1. Browse to new block 1.dwg
        1. Blocks
        2. right-click test2
          1. Redfine simply
  6. qselect enter
    1. Object type = block reference
    2. Properties = name
    3. Value = test2
    4. OK
  7. Open Properties palette
    1. Detect that in that location are 3 blocks selected in Properties palette
    2. Properties palette > Geometry
      1. Scale = 1

ClosedWisDOT sheets tab: signs tool palette

This exercise will walk you through the unique features included in the WisDOT Signs Tool Palette. The Blocks included on this tool palette stand for the WisDOT standard signage details. These Dynamic Blocks include the ability to choose a version of each block from a dropdown list (Visibility Gear up) as well every bit a hyperlink to quickly view the associated WisDOT standard item sheets.

  1. Open acad-blk-xref-03.dwg
  2. Ribbon > WisDOT Sheets tab > Sheet Creation Components console > Signs
  3. Ribbon > WisDOT Sheets tab > Canvass Creation Components console > Palettes ON/OFF
    1. D-Signs tab
      1. D1-51
        1. Specify insertion signal anywhere in drawing area
  4. Select D1-51 Cake
    1. Visibility gear up dropdown
    2. Choose alternative Visibilty from list
    3. esc
  5. Double-click D1-51Block
    1. Enhanced Attribute Editor
      1. Select SIZE row
      2. Value = 120"X15"
      3. OK
      4. Detect update to D1-51 Block in cartoon surface area
  6. Ctrl+click D1-51 Block
    1. Find web browser open the WisDOT signage particular D1-51.pdf

ClosedWisDOT design tab: intersections, beam guards & general blocks

The WisDOT Intersection Blocks and Beam Guard Tool Palattes incorporate dynamic Blocks which include easily editable linework to become started with your geometric layout. Insert these Blocks and utilise the Properties palette or dynamic Block grips to edit the linework. The WisDOT Pattern Ribbon tab too includes the Autodesk Palettes button. This volition populate your Tool Palette with all of the default Autodesk Tool Palette tabs. Some of these default Tool Palette tabs contain default Autodesk Blocks that could potentially exist useful to convey your design intentions.

  1. Continue working in acad-blk-xref-03.dwg
  2. Ribbon > WisDOT Design > Parametric Blueprint panel > Intersection Blocks
    1. Int-Type-A-Q-Grtr-80-In-Curve
    2. Specify insertion indicate near other drawing objects
  3. Select Int-Type-A-Q-Grtr-fourscore-In-Curve Cake
    1. Select Grip along incoming intersection centerline
      1. Specify point location for centerline
    2. Select Visibility Fix dropdown
      1. Graphics Mode = checked
    3. Properties palette > Custom
      1. Observe editable parameters in tabulated form
    4. esc
  4. Ribbon > WisDOT Design > Parametric Design panel > Beam Guard Blocks
    1. BG EAT R Correct Curve
    2. Specify insertion signal near other drawing objects
    3. OK
  5. Select BG Swallow R Correct Curve Block
    1. Observe grips to edit linework geometry
    2. Properties palette > Custom
      1. Observe editable parameters in tabulated form
    3. esc
  6. Ribbon > WisDOT Design > Autodesk console > Autodesk Palettes
    1. Left-click "stacked" tabs at bottom of Tool Palette
    2. Curlicue down in list
      1. Highways
        1. Scroll to explore available out-of-the-box Blocks
      2. External Works
        1. Scroll to explore available out-of-the-box Blocks

ClosedXref: overlay vs attach

Kickoff with acad-blk-xref-04.dwg, acad-blk-xref-05.dwg and acad-blk-xref-06.dwg

acad-blk-xref-12.mp4 7:00

This exercise volition introduce you to the External Referencing (Xref) workflow. You lot will create an Overlay Xref then change it to an Attach Xref and observe behavioral differences between the two. When an Xref is created as the blazon "Overlay", the Externally Referenced source cartoon will not exist carried forward if the destination drawing is then Externally Referenced into another drawing. When an Xref is created as the blazon "Attach", the Externally Referenced source cartoon volition exist carried forrard.

  1. Open acad-blk-xref-04.dwg, acad-blk-xref-05.dwg and acad-blk-xref-06.dwg
  2. File tab > acad-blk-xref-05
  3. Ribbon > Home tab > Palettes panel flyout > External Reference Managing director
  1. External References palette > Adhere dropdown > Adhere DWG
    1. Browse to acad-blk-xref-04.dwg
      1. Open
  2. Adhere External Reference
    1. Reference Type = Overlay
    2. Insertion Indicate > Specify On Screen = unchecked
    3. OK
  3. Ribbon > Home tab > Layers panel > Layer Properties
    1. Discover presence of Xref Layer Filters and Xref Layers
  4. File tab > acad-blk-xref-06
  5. xr enter
  6. External References palette > Attach dropdown > Attach DWG
    1. Browse to acad-blk-xref-05.dwg
      1. Open

    2. Info:

      When acad-blk-xref-05.dwg is externally referenced into acad-blk-xref-06.dwg, no objects are displayed in acad-blk-xref-06.dwg. This is because the objects displayed in acad-blk-xref-05.dwg are just an "Overlay" xref of acad-blk-xref-04.dwg. "Overlay" xrefs are not carried forward when their destination drawing is so used as an xref source drawing in another cartoon. "Attach" xrefs are carried forward in this manner, withal.

      When acad-blk-xref-05.dwg is externally referenced into acad-blk-xref-06.dwg, xref Layers prefixed with acad-blk-xref-05 are created and are similar to the Layers in acad-blk-xref-04.dwg. This is considering both acad-blk-xref-04.dwg and acad-blk-xref-05.dwg were started from the aforementioned template (wisdot16.dwt) and this template includes all of those Layers.

  7. File tab > acad-blk-xref-05
  8. xr enter
  9. External References palette
    1. click on acad-blk-xref-04
    2. Details > Type = Adhere
  10. Salvage acad-blk-xref-05.dwg
  11. File tab > acad-blk-xref-06
    1. xr enter
      1. Notice that acad-blk-xref-05.dwg needs reloading
      2. Right-click on acad-blk-xref-05.dwg and Reload.

ClosedXref source path: full vs relative

Go on with acad-blk-xref-04.dwg, acad-blk-xref-05.dwg and acad-blk-xref-06.dwg

acad-blk-xref-13.mp4 6:05

You take three options to specify how the Xref file path relationship between the source drawing and destination drawing is defined. A Full Path Xref requires that the source drawing exist at the exact drive location called out in the destination drawing when the Xref was created. If not, the Xref source file will not be read and a notification volition exist displayed. A Relative Path Xref requires that the source drawing exist at the same folder hierarchy location relative to the destination drawing. In other words, the source and destination drawings must be the same number of folders away from each other in order for the Xref source cartoon to be read. There is likewise a No Path selection which requires that the path to the source drawing be included in the Civil 3D profile options support file search path list. This No Path Xref blazon is less common and will not be covered in this exercise.

  1. Go on working in acad-blk-xref-04.dwg, acad-blk-xref-05.dwg and acad-blk-xref-06.dwg
  2. Open External Reference Manager
    1. Detect total path displayed in acad-blk-xref-04 row, Saved Path cavalcade
  3. File tab > Shut acad-blk-xref-04
  4. Windows File Explorer
    1. Browse to acad-blk-xref-04.dwg
    2. Move acad-blk-xref-04.dwg into XREF binder
  5. External References palette > right-click acad-blk-xref-04
    1. Reload
    2. Observe "Non Found" displayed in acad-blk-xref-04 row, Condition column
  6. Windows File Explorer
    1. Browse to acad-blk-xref-04.dwg
    2. Move acad-blk-xref-04.dwg to location displayed in Saved Path column of External References palette
  7. External References palette > right-click acad-blk-xref-04
    1. Reload
    2. Observe "Loaded" displayed in acad-blk-xref-04 row, Condition cavalcade
    3. Right-click acad-blk-xref-04
      1. Modify Path Type > Make Relative
      2. Notice partial file path displayed in acad-blk-xref-04 row, Saved Path column
  8. Save acad-blk-xref-05.dwg
  9. File tab > Shut acad-blk-xref-05
  10. Windows File Explorer
    1. Scan to acad-blk-xref-04.dwg
    2. Motility acad-blk-xref-04.dwg and acad-blk-xref-05.dwg into XREF binder
  11. Open acad-blk-xref-05.dwg
  12. External References Managing director
    1. Observe "Loaded" displayed in acad-blk-xref-04 row, Condition column

ClosedDemark xref

Once an Xref is created in a cartoon, you tin insert the source objects, styles, Block Definitions and Layers through the Bind command. This will insert the source drawing content and create or merge similar content (ie similarly named Layers or Blocks) depending on the type of Bind yous specify. In this practise, y'all will Bind an Xref using both types of the Bind command and observe behavioral differences between the two.

  1. Open acad-blk-xref-07.dwg
  2. xr enter
    1. Attach DWG
      1. Browse to acad-blk-xref-04.dwg
        1. Open
    2. Attach External Reference
      1. OK
  3. External References palette > Right-click acad-blk-xref-04
    1. Bind
    2. Demark Xrefs/DGN underlays
      1. Bind Type = Demark
      2. OK

      Info: When you Demark an Xref using the blazon Bind, any content in the source drawing similarly named in the destination cartoon will exist duplicated. That duplicated content will exist named with a prefix based on the source drawing proper name. When you Bind using the type Insert, whatsoever content in the source drawing similarly named in the destination drawing will be merged. The version of that like content in the destination drawing will be used.

  4. Ribbon > Home tab > Layers console > Layer Properties
    1. Find duplicate Layer naming convention
  5. Select all drawing objects
    1. Properties
      1. Observe selected object is a Block Reference
      2. Misc
        1. Observe name = acad-blk-xref-04
    2. esc
  6. Quick Access toolbar > Disengage dropdown > Xref
  7. External Reference Manager
    1. Attach DWG
      1. Scan to acad-blk-xref-04.dwg
        1. Open up
    2. Adhere External Reference
      1. OK
  8. External References palette > Correct-click acad-blk-xref-04
    1. Demark
    2. Demark Xrefs/DGN underlays
      1. Bind Type = Insert
      2. OK
  9. Select acad-blk-xref-04 Cake
  10. Ribbon > Home tab > Layers panel > Layer Properties
    1. Observe no indistinguishable Layers created