Convert multiple xrefs to a single .dwg file

[Anonymous]

i have a drawing with multiple xrefs, attaching them for me is not a problem. I need to send the file to someone that doesn't have AutoCAD and is using Autodesk Viewer. When they try to open the file the xrefs do not show up. I've tried the bind technique but hasn't worked either. Is there a way to convert the file with the xrefs into a single .dwg file that can be viewed with the viewer?

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

Can you explain why the BIND did not work?  Did you use the Insert Bind option?

If you can provide a few sample xref files I am happy to see if I can improve this process for you.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

When i attach the xrefs they overlay and scale to match. When I used BIND, it separated them and changed the scale of the binded xref to its original scale.

FYI: I'm using AutoCAD LT

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

Thanks for attaching the host file. Can you also attach some of the referenced files to a post so I can test?  Are they all DGN files? Does a DGN file appear to behave differently for you?

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

The rest of the files are .dwg.  Attached are all the files that I've been trying to convert into a single .dwg so that it can be viewed on Autodesk Viewer.

I couldn't send the dgn so i saved it as a dwg

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

I worked with the ALGNRD01-Micro Station (AC2010) file that you provided. The only Xref that you had attached in your post was the DSGNRD01 file.  I removed the others from the XREF manager.  I also had to do this same step in the DSGNRD01 file -, removing the non-existing xref attachments.

After I  did this and then installed the Civil 3D Object Enabler, I was able to Insert Bind the Xref without a problem.  I had done this activity in 2018 product so I did an EXPORTTOAUTOCAD to drop it down to 2013 file format.

If you want to zip up all of the files that are being xreferenced in each drawing I am happy to see if any of them prevent the Bind function from working properly.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

I don't have any of the other files, all I have is what i sent. What you did worked out, I converted the dgn file to a dwg and binded it to the file that you sent back. Then I put the entire file into the viewer and I can see everything. The question that I have now is, do I need Civil 3D to use the enabler?

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[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

I am glad that process works.  The Civil 3D object enabler lets you handle those proxy objects more easily. It is intended for those using core AutoCAD and that don't run AutoCAD Civil 3D.

You should be able to find and install object enablers for your AutoCAD from here.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.