Cannot plot XREF layers

[sukishums]

Hi all,

I have attached a dwg file into a new dwg drawing. Reference Type is Attachement. 

The xref layer names are all grey out, I can still see them in model space and paper space. However, when I try to plot my sheet, all xref layers are not visible. 

How do I plot it with my xref layers visible? Thanks in advance.

Suki

[paullimapa]

Perhaps if you thaw those xrefs layers then they'll plot?

[imadHabash]

Hi,

>> I can still see them in model space and paper space.

Since you can see them ... I suggest to check from Layer dialog the PLOT column and all other VP columns.

[Kent1Cooper]

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@imadHabash wrote:

.... I suggest to check from Layer dialog the PLOT column and all other VP columns.

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... not only for those Layers themselves, but also for the Layer on which the XREF resides.

[Kent1Cooper]

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@paullimapa wrote:

Perhaps if you thaw those xrefs layers then they'll plot?

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If their being frozen was the problem, they wouldn't be visible on-screen.  And of those five that are not frozen, and that I assume are the Layers in question, none is set to not plot.

[paullimapa]

Perhaps it's as @imadHabash posted. It could be that the xref is attached onto a layer that is set to noplot. This would cause @sukishums to be able to see the xref layers that are Thawed in Model & Layout but don't see them when plotted. @sukishums should select all layers in the Layer window and under PLOT column make sure all are set to PLOT.

[Valentin_CAD]

@sukishums ,

Review the suggestions from this link, or post the drawing:

• Drawing objects do not plot and are missing from print preview in AutoCAD Products (autodesk.com)

[sukishums]

Hi all,

Yea @Kent1Cooper is correct, I'm referring to the 5 not frozen plot layers.  I checked the Autodesk Help link, it said attached or overlaid xref would be seen, but nested xref will not print or publish.

So my question is, does attached or overlaid xref print or publish?

Referring to this link in the first paragraph about attached xref, I understand c.dwg is a nested xref so it will not print or publish in master.dwg. When I plot master.dwg, will a.dwg and b.dwg be plotted?

https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACDLT/2025/ENU/?guid=GUID-0D7D1315-B58A-4BCD-9953-282FF578B144

[sukishums]

The 5 layers is in an attached xref file but not nested, why can't they be plotted why I publish the master.dwg?

[paullimapa]

If c.dwg is Overlayed into b.dwg and b.dwg is overlayed or attached to master.dwg then c.dwg does not show up at all. Since you posted that you can actually see the layers on the screen but they just don't plot then this is not the problem.

[pendean]

@sukishums  share your DWG set here please: use ETRANSMIT command to capture all the XREFs and your plot table styles etc.

[sukishums]

Hi @paullimapa , thanks for your reply and I understand what you are saying. I think my problem right now is b.dwg is showing but not printed when I plot master.dwg.

@pendean Thanks, here's my file.

[paullimapa]

This is what I see when I open your dwg in Layout:

This is what I'm able to print to pdf:

Can you tell me what objects are missing?

I'm plotting this using AutoCAD 2025.1

[pendean · Accepted solution]

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@sukishums wrote:

...I think my problem right now is b.dwg is showing but not printed when I plot master.dwg....

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Where is that missing printed content in the file you just shared please? This looks nothing like the original screenshot you shared in your first post either.

These are the layers you have set to NOLOT: is one of them important enough to leave plotting?
And may I ask why is your layer 0 set to NOPLOT too? Most seasoned AutoCAD users never draw anything on that layer and it is best if it remains on/thawed/unlocked/printable 100% of the time too.

And what is layer 00 used for?

FYI

[sukishums]

Oh yes thank you so much! @pendean It works when I set Layer 0 to plottable in Paper Space. I didn't realise it before as it's set to plottable in Model Space. 

When you said "Most seasoned AutoCAD users never draw anything on that layer and it is best if it remains on/thawed/unlocked/printable 100% of the time too." - What's Layer 0 purpose and what's it use for?

Thanks guys.

[paullimapa]

you must have missed what I posted way back in msg #6:

[sukishums]

@paullimapa Yes you are right, I didn't realise xref is attached to Layer 0 and I need to set it to plot when I read your message, but thank you.

[paullimapa]

You are welcome...cheers!!!

PS: Here's a link that discusses the purposes Layer 0 serves in AutoCAD.

[cadffm]

Hi,

"plottable in Paper Space" / "set to plottable in Model Space."

Plotable is a layer-property, there is no "in model" or "in paper space",

Layers and their properties are overall the same in a drawing.

_

In paper space an layout viewports you can see Viewport(layer)properties like VP COLOR, but there is no VP Plotable.

[paullimapa]

excellent point