Xref a non-project dwg

[dennis]

Used by multiple disciplines, we use the same structural dwg as generated NOT from P3D, but from ASD.  We do not want to "Copy Drawing to Project" because that will make a duplicate that we do not want (we would need to keep copying it in when it is updated.)  So, we just XRef it in and we see it fine.  We then go to create an Ortho, and in the preview, it shows, but it doesn't show in the OrthoBox and consequently in the Ortho view.  Any ideas of a workaround or a way to make it do it?

[TomislavGolubovic]

Why not just put it in the project? Put the master file in there, get the ASD modellers to look to your P3D folder instead of somewhere else. It is part of your P3D project after all isn't it?

[dennis]

There are "other" requirements that prohibit changing the location of the structural model.  So, as much as I would like to "make it easy" and "Copy Drawing to Project", we can't do it.  From your response, it sounds like the only work around is to maintain duplicate files.

[jabowabo · Accepted solution]

This may help:

http://www.pdoteam.com/2012/07/adding-external-drawings-to-autocad-plant-3d/

In 2014 it is a little different:

- Create new folder in project manager - name it the same as the folder containing the .dwg(s)
- Under "Store new project DWG files in:" make the path the same as the existing path with the .dwg(s)
- Press OK
- Now copy the drawings to the project (they will not be duplicated)

[TomislavGolubovic]

Also maybe have a look at adding it to Related Files, there is a "Link File to Project" option

[dennis]

Excellent Jabo.  What I found was if I first fill out the "Store new project DWG files in" then the project folder adopts the last folder in the subfolder tree as the project folder, which is perfect.  Then when I used "Copy DWG to project", P3D would make a backup copy of the DWG with the name ORIGINAL in it.  In my case, I picked a DWG created with AutoCAD MEP.  I then XRefed that AMEP dwg into a Piping dwg and created an ORTHO exactly as I needed.  Thanks again for the tip.

[TRdesigner82]

I'm trying to do this and every time I try I get the attached error. I think I'm doing everything right. Any ideas?

[Asimo5000]

We keep some of our drawings seperate and the designers just reference a combined assembly of structure/building if they want to see all that stuff. It never gets added to the project file since drawings are never "copied" to it.

[jabowabo]

When drawings are added or created in the project they are assigned a 'Type', in this case 'Ortho'. Even if you take the drawing out it will still retain the type. 'Ortho' types cannot be added to the Source files tab and 'Piping' types cannot be added to the Orthographic DWG tab. There may be a better way but here's a workaround:

- Create a new drawing in Source Files
- Copy/Paste objects from original file into the new one

[TRdesigner82]

In my attachment above, BLDG 42A & BLDG 42B are new drawings that I created and xref'd in the drawings I'm trying to include. I think this is basically the same thing that you're telling me to do but that produced the same error...

[jabowabo]

You are going to have to remove the 'Type' designation from the xreffed drawing(s). The only way I know how to do it is like this:

- Create a new drawing with nothing in it and save it to your desktop.
- In the project manager, copy the drawing to 'Related Files'
- Copy and paste all objects from the original drawing to the new one.

Note: It won't work if you just copy to a non-'Related Files' drawing.

[kudryavcevrm]

Hi, peoples! This topic is so important, but not applicable for me. Please, help with Vault. Please, vote my idea!

[dave.simmons.ext]

I just picked up this thread using v2018 and have the same exact questions.  Can anyone provide any details if there is an update or new methodology since this thread from 2013?  I need to use multiple nested xrefs in multiple projects but do not want to "copy into project" as that will create lots of duplicated and then will not be updated which is the reason we all use xrefs in the first place....  I tried using a master file and xrefing my other xrefs into it so I could copy into the project... however the error into the project as a work around... however the error that other have received...