Bug related to XREF images

[budFYDPA]

I may have uncovered a bug.  This one took me a while to find because I thought it was something I had done wrong at one point and then I just carried it from project to project as I copy/pasted folders...but that wasn't it.

For reference, I do MEP drafting.  I set up the architectural background CAD file as an XREF in my base file as well as my title blocks.  I also XREF in a few images, one being my logo (PNG), and the other being a screenshot of a map for the cover page (JPG).  Also, the logo PNG file is an XREF in both the base file and the title block (same image is used on the title block and cover page) - not sure if that matters, just fully disclosing as I describe the bug.  The map image is only an XREF of the base file.

When I start a new project, I use a similar project as a baseline - I copy/paste the folder, change the names, etc.  Then I open the file and update the job name/etc on the title block.  There are 2 ways to do this:

1) highlight the title block and then click "open reference" on the toolbar.  This works fine and doesn't reveal/cause the bug.  Same as opening the XREF'd file directly from Windows Explorer.

2) double-click the title block and perform a reference edit.  I use this a occasionally to update something like the revision history, revision number, etc.  It's a convenient way to do it, but this is the one that reveals the bug.

What happens in case #2 above when I have a JPG attached to the base file is that once I'm done with my reference edits and save the changes, it attaches the same JPG to the XREF title block file.  I discovered this because every time I copy/paste the folders for a new project, I delete the map image since it does not apply to the new project and then delete the XREF in the base file - but it shows up in the XREF list as ALSO being attached to the title block XREF.  I thought I was just carrying on an error over and over again, but then I decided to troubleshoot it and this is how I figured it out.

After I do the reference edit, I can then close my drawing and open the title block file by itself and the map image XREF is now attached to the title block XREF (but in all cases, the image itself is not inserted).

Why would performing a reference edit cause one XREF to attach to another XREF?  This makes zero sense and HAS to be a bug.

[CodeDing]

@budFYDPA ,

Thank you for trying hard to detail your situation, but it is still a bit confusing since we do not see your setup.

Am I on the right track here with my image? If you can attach any files at all, or show pictures, or explain further.. That would help a lot.

Best,

~DD

[pendean]

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@budFYDPA wrote:

I may have uncovered a bug...

...This makes zero sense and HAS to be a bug....

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This is not the MEP forum. But bug reporting is done in two ways (and unlike here, you will need to tell them your exact year version of which software as listed in ABOUT command in your program too):

1) open a support case with Autodesk if you are on subscription to seek out Autodesk Support's help:
https://www.autodesk.com/support/account/manage/use/support#:~:text=com/plans.-,Contact%20support,-S... and/or https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Contacting-a-techn... 

2) If not on subscription then at a different website:
https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Feedback-to-Autode... 

FYI: REFEDIT has always had issues with XREFs for some users but not others even in the same files, it's best to just use XOPEN command then update your XREF when done. Use REFEDIT for blocks seems less prone to issues but BEDIT is less prone.

Best wishes.

[budFYDPA]

I'm not using the MEP version I was just saying that I do MEP drafting.  I use plain AutoCAD.

The whole photo thing you posted seems like you did not follow what I was saying at all.  

Ignore any copy paste of prior projects.  That part is not relevant.

Create a drawing.  Doesn't matter what it is.  Keep it open.

Create a second drawing.  Doesn't matter what it is as long as it has some lines or other content that you can select on the screen when it is referenced in.  Close it after creating it.

Reference the second drawing into the first as an XREF.

Take a screenshot of anything on your computer and save that as an image anywhere on your computer.  Insert that photo as an image XREF into the first drawing.

Double click the XREF (second drawing) and do a reference edit.  Change one thing then save it (via the toolbar button).

Open the second drawing and you will see that the image XREF that you inserted into the first drawing is now XREF'd into the second drawing, even though you never inserted it into that drawing.

[pendean]

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@budFYDPA wrote:

...The whole photo thing you posted seems like you did not follow what I was saying at all.  ...

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Photo thing? I provided you with links to help you report your found software bug to Autodesk if that's what you mean, did you get a chance to read those? They provide pictures to supplement the words

And yes, REFEDIT can be a problem, stop using it and give XOPEN a try instead to see if your issue can be replicated there or not. Share that with Autodesk too.

[CodeDing]

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@pendean wrote:

Photo thing?

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I believe OP was referencing my message with the photo I posted.

@budFYDPA ,

Thank you for explaining further.

Sadly, I cannot duplicate your issue on my machine / software (C3D 2023).

Hopefully others can assist further.

Best,

~DD