Re: xrefs & blocks

[eugeneduck]

After inserting an xref into a drawing, is it possible to insert a block? If the block has been inserted, is it possible to purge or explode the original xref? :? I'd appreciate any feedback asap.

[YosSa]

If i am correct, you attach an xref .. then insert a block (yes, possible) and then you want the xref to be gone or you want it to be exploded ??
If you want it to be gone, detach it, otherwise you shouldnt use the xref command, but just insert it and then explode it ...

[eugeneduck]

My AutoCAD is set up to insert xrefs. I like the xref feature because it automatically updates the block. Is it possible to insert an xref and a block in the same drawing? :)

[architech]

Yes, it is possible to insert & XREF 2 items into 1 file.

Is it possible to insert & XREF with the same filename, NO.

Can you explode a XREF? YES ... after you bind the XREF you can explode it. ...But the file will no longer update automatically ....



What you describe, sounds like what we do here w/ a border.
We XREF the border "without" text.
We then insert the text for the border as an "attribute" text block.

This way we get the benefits of both worlds.

Not sure what your block is but I just wanted to give you an example.
Hope that helps.
Later guy.
:lol:

[YosSa]

I hate XREFS
When people exchange drawings, they forget to send the xref files as well ...
Anybody understand dutch ??
I made a help file for our cad users how we do it ...
But i dont feel like translate it :)

:oops:

[architech]

That's ashame to hear YosSa ....
XREFs are a great tool.
Maybe you should voice the use of "etransmit".

This commands grabs all the support files and zips them for exchange. :P

Later guy. :wink:

[eugeneduck]

I know how to explode a block. Can someone tell me how to explode the xref? I used the explode command for the xref & nothing happened. :(

[architech]

Can you explode a XREF? YES ... after you bind the XREF you can explode it. ...But the file will no longer update automatically ....


Bind it 1st ....
Then explode it...

[eugeneduck]

Thanks for the tip on using the xref & exploding. I tried the bind command & it worked. :D

[eugeneduck]

I learned how to bind the xref. . . another question. Is it possible to track xrefs? Can I see how many drawings/ which drawings an xref has been inserted into? :?

[YosSa]

architect ...

everybody has his own way of working.
Its not for you to tell me to be ashamed ...

[architech]

Woah ....
YosSa ... I didn't mean it that way.
I meant it was ashame that "XREF" didn't make you a fan.
It's always safer to blame a software than a person. 8)
And that's what I tried to do ... :?

Didn't mean you had to things may way. :roll:
Afterall, I'm not a "dic-tator" ... :P

later guy ....
Hope there's no ill feelings. :lol:

[VERYCIVILDRAFTER]

I learned how to bind the xref. . . another question. Is it possible to track xrefs? Can I see how many drawings/ which drawings an xref has been inserted into? :?

I've been doing this a pretty long time and I've never seen a tool that can do what you ask.

A little off topic:
It sounds like you're learning how to use xrefs; might I suggest you also look up the difference between a xref as an ATTACHMENT and a xref as an OVERLAY. Trust me, it will make your life a lot easier. :wink:

[Eddie]

8)
eugeneduck Wrote:
another question. Is it possible to track xrefs? Can I see how many drawings/ which drawings an xref has been inserted into?

To achieve this you need an external application which can track you entire project..from emails to drawings (including which dwgs are xref into which ect.ect.)

Look up PROJECTWISE from Bentley if you want go down that path.

[architech]

AutoCAD 2005 ... supposedly does document management like "Projectwise". You might want to look into upgrading to 2005 for those tools.

:?

Hope that helps.