Convert X-ref layers to normal layers

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I work for a concrete company and my job is to create layout point files for the surveying instruments we use in the field to layout. I use CAD files as the background for these layout files. I receive a lot of CAD files from Architects and Engineers  in my line of work. I need to  modify and organize the CAD files before I can make them a background, such as merge layers and edit linework in order to de-noise the background drawing or correct errors in the drawing. I run into a lot of issues when dealing with CAD files that have been sent to me where there are x-ref layers. If the file has x-refs generally, they are either not displaying all of the linework because of broken paths or they show everything but I am unable to modify them efficiently, as in it appears there are multiple layers within an x-ref that cannot be exploded.

Is there a way to get around this? If I can see the linework, is there a command that decouples the linework from the x-ref layer while keeping the layer properties?

Thanks

[pendean]

If I may ask, how long have you used AutoCAD? It would help others tailor answers to your needs.

Assuming you know quite a bit already and simply need a referesher... You will need to BIND the xrefs so they are part of the topmost file and no longer externally reference files: you want the "insert" sub-option so the xrefs are treated as blocks. You will have to ensure each external file has bound xrefs first before you do so in the topmost file.

HTH

[Anonymous]

Thanks. Only about 3 years experience. Dealing with x-refs are my weakness. I never learned how to manage them but I want to tackle that now. Can you point me in the right direction to teach myself (need a good starting point)?  I am at the user end so I am not creating the CAD files just receiving them and trying to edit them. I am going to look into binding now and see where that leads...

[David_W_Koch · Accepted solution]

The BIND command could be used to bring the entire contents of the external reference file into the open drawing file.  Not sure if that is what you really want to do, however.

The BIND command has two options, BIND or INSERT.  BIND will bring named objects in with unique names, so that the properties assigned in the original file remain intact.  INSERT will bring in named objects in the same way as if you had used the INSERT command to insert the file.  If there is already a named object in the receiving file of the same name as in the file being inserted, the definition of the receiving file object will be maintained.

Another option would be to use the Express Tools NCOPY command, which should allow you to copy only selected items from an external reference into your current drawing.