Reduce the number of external references without embedding them into drawing

[V_Elkind]

Hello guys,

We have a number of symbols (about 200) that are used in our drawings as external references. Every drawing contains between 30 and 50 different symbols. Is there a way to reference some kind of library including all 200 symbols and use only a part of them depending on drawing's needs? Why do we need that: We store our .dwg files in a document management system (DMS). And depending on the number of external references it takes some time to check the .dwg file out of DMS including it's external references. Many single external references lead to long check out times. Few external references lead to short check out times from DMS. We could embed them all in our drawings, but in this case we won't be able to exchange single symbols in a comfortable way.

Best regards
Vadym

[cadffm]

Hi,

>>"Is there a way to reference some kind of library including all 200 symbols and use only a part of them depending on drawing's needs?"

No

>>"We could embed them all in our drawings, but in this case we won't be able to exchange single symbols in a comfortable way."

Learn how to exchange single symbols in a comfortable way without using XRefs!

Redefine blocks is your new topic.

[pendean]

Your options based on your post appear to be:
1) move away from XREFs, use Blocks (INSERT command or the BLOCK Palette) option. There are dozens of "block replace" LISP and built-in Express Tool command to do just that.
2) Change DMS programs for one that performs to better meet your needs.


HTH

[V_Elkind]

Hello @cadffm , hello @pendean,

Thank you for your responses. I will discuss it with my colleagues. 

Best regards
Vadym