working with dwgs converted from MAC

[Anonymous]

I routinely work with architects who provide their MAC backgrounds that they have converted to dwg for my use. However, many times there are hidden objects in the drawing due to some type of layering. My screen background color is block, if that makes a difference. If I xref the file in to my work, there are objects that will appear as part of the xref, but when I open the xref, they are not visible. Conversely, when I hover my cross-hair over some blank spaces, objects that I want and need to see are hidden. I can highlight them and perform the command to bring to the front but it doesn't work. Any suggestions? The architect has tried sending the files in different formats, stripping them of non-essentials etc but to no avail. I thought perhaps others have had the same experience and have found a solution.

BTW, I currently use AutoCAD 2012 MEP.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or direction given.

[Joshua.Benoist]

A sample file would help.  Blocks are "created" on Layer 0 which is a special layer.  Layer 0 allows the block to be "inserted" on any other layer and it will assume that layers color, linetype, etc.  However, if Layer 0 is frozen in the original or your host file, those blocks will disappear.  If Layer 0 is just "OFF" then they may highlight.  If Layer 0 is "FROZEN" then they are taken completely out of memory as if they were not there.  Both "OFF" and "FROZEN" make them invisible.  But use of "OFF" makes them available for Osnaps and selections.

[Joshua.Benoist]

Just following up.