topic Xref file has items on layer 0 and can't turn off in AutoCAD Forum

Xref file has items on layer 0 and can't turn off

Retirement_Bound — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 14:54:46 GMT

I get files from clients that I xref via attach on a separate layer called XREF. I go in and start freezing or turning off layers that I won't need. Eventually I get to some items that won't turn off or freeze and then I do XLIST and find it is on layer 0. Is there any way to turn those off without going into the XREF drawing and changing the layer or just erasing it? I am thinking there isn't, but thought after all these years I should ask.

Re: Xref file has items on layer 0 and can't turn off

pendean — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 17:50:40 GMT

You can't easily fix bad drafting: you need to go into the XREFs and change the object(s) properites manually.

Re: Xref file has items on layer 0 and can't turn off

Retirement_Bound — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 18:05:12 GMT

I think what might happen is they burst or explode blocks and the items left over are all on layer 0?

Re: Xref file has items on layer 0 and can't turn off

jim3thornton — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 16:41:00 GMT

If this is common occurrence, you may want to look into an automated solution to alleviate this task ...

Re: Xref file has items on layer 0 and can't turn off

Retirement_Bound — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 15:22:13 GMT

I couldn't find a lisp that changed layer 0 to another layer. I am sure I wouldn't want it to look into the blocks.

Right now I just go into the architects drawings and select all the objects of concern and then use the quick select to filter down to the objects in layer 0. Then use properties to change to another layer or I then use the LAYMCH command to match to the preferred layer. Then pray there won't be an update coming.

I think it is to hard to create a LISP that wouldn't then start changing too many 0 layers to the wrong preferred layer.

Re: Xref file has items on layer 0 and can't turn off

iparry — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:55:26 GMT

I know this is an old post, but I'm guessing the XREF was brought in on Layer 0 of the current drawing making that attached reference's Layer 0 associated with the current drawings Layer 0.

1. Create a new layer for the XREF (XREF_MyNewXREF or something)
2. QSELECT
3. [Apply to: Entire drawing] [Object type: External Reference] [Properties: Name] [Operator: = Equals] [Value: your xref name]
4. In the Ribbon goto --> Home --> Layers Group --> Drop down for the layer selection --> Select the new layer you made
5. Now you can freeze and thaw the XREF Layer 0 using this new Layer

EDITED: 2025/12/31
Yes @cadffm is correct, you turn off the layer you created instead of freezing it.

Sorry, thanks for the correction.

Re: Xref file has items on layer 0 and can't turn off

cadffm — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:31:51 GMT

Hi,

" I'm guessing the XREF was brought in on Layer 0"

Using Layer0 would be rarely clever move, but independent of the layername:

"Now you can freeze and thaw the XREF Layer 0 using this new Layer"

No, FREEZE would hide the whole external reference,

you need to turn OFF the insertion Xref-layer, this way - the toplevel objects on layer0 (in the Xref) will disappears.