topic Re: Custom Display of Layers in Model Space in AutoCAD Forum

Custom Display of Layers in Model Space

etudesEA54D — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:32:37 GMT

Hello,
I'm looking for a solution to have a custom display of certain layers in model space, without modifying the layer's characteristics, but only by modifying my own display.

Let me explain:
I regularly import architectural plans for construction projects and use them as a background plan to overlay my own tasks (quantity surveys, zoning, etc.).
I would like to be able to assign a less visually cluttered display to the imported layers, such as a black and white effect or a grayscale effect, and/or even 50% transparency, but only in my model space display, therefore without altering the actual characteristics of said layers (so that I can return to a real display if necessary).
I found the beginnings of a solution by assigning pens in a paper space window. This feature is very useful. The layers aren't altered, but their display in the window can be modified. So, I set all imported layers to a gray color and 50% transparency, and I get a visual close to what I'm looking for.
But it doesn't seem to exist for the current workspace.

Is there a known solution for this type of need?
Or is there a clever little trick I'm not yet aware of?
Thanks in advance.

Re: Custom Display of Layers in Model Space

pendean — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:36:12 GMT

@etudesEA54D XREF Overrides is what you appear to be describing, it's been around for quite some time, start HELP in your AutoCAD session and explore, if you get stuck, come back and explain where you ended up on your discovery.

Re: Custom Display of Layers in Model Space

imadHabash — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:23:34 GMT

Hi,

As much as i understand your need ...

I usually insert those plans (background plan) as XREFS then start change the value for XDWGFADECTL (System Variable).

Re: Custom Display of Layers in Model Space

etudesEA54D — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:05:32 GMT

I never use XREFs; I'm not familiar with this tool.
Do you have a good written or video tutorial you can recommend so I can learn how to use XREFs?

Re: Custom Display of Layers in Model Space

AllenJessup — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:02:31 GMT

I agree that Xrefs are what you would want to use. Google (or whatever) How to use external references in AutoCAD. There are dozens of videos and many answers.

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+use+external+references+in+autocad&rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS922US922&oq=How+to+use+Xrefs+in+AutoCAD&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCAgBEAAYFhgeMgwIABAjGCcYgAQYigUyCAgBEAAYFhgeMggIAhAAGBYYHjIICAMQABgWGB4yCAgEEAAYFhgeMggIBRAAGBYYHjIICAYQABgWGB4yCAgHEAAYFhgeMggICBAAGBYYHjIHCAkQABjvBdIBCDU0NzlqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8