Xref not plotting with batch plot

[moe4082]

I am on the 2019 version of LT.  I have a file built for my sheet layouts that Xref my '1st Level', '2nd Level', etc. files  The 'Level' files Xref a single 'All Units' file.  The 'All Units' file is into each 'Level' file multiple times.  I use the clip command to set boundaries around a unit so I can lay out 12 units on a level; rotated and mirrored as necessary.

On certain sheet layout files, (Xref 'Levels' --> Xref 'Units'), the 'Units' will not show up on the PDF's when they are plotted.  It only plots items in the 'Level's Xref and items that are within the sheets file itself. 

The 'Units' Xref shows up in the model, is not on a no plot layer, and shows up when viewing the sheet on the Layout tab.  It will also plot if I manually plot the sheet from the Layout tab, but that defeats the purpose of the batch plot.

And it is only on certain files.  My building sheet file plots fine, but my structural sheet file has the issue.

We use a modified AutoCAD PDF (General Documentation) .pc3 file.  The only modifications are to the paper sizes displayed and the margins.

Any ideas?

[bob_mpc]

As a first idea:

Try to RECOVER and PURGE the xref files. Quite often, especially when converted by other software, the files have problems. Also, RECOVER the main file - some layout might be broken.

Second thought: disable background printing/publishing

[moe4082]

Recover & Purge did the trick.  Thanks!

[moe4082]

Ok, the problem has returned.  I have recovered and purged all of the files multiple times.  I have even upgraded to 2022 LT.  I can't seem to find a work around other than clicking on each individual layout and plotting.  Batch plotting won't show the external references on the plotted PDF's.

Disabling background publishing did not correct the problem.

[bob_mpc]

Hmmmm.....

Do the XREFS load OK? I mean, it might happen that they are "nested", and you have to manually show route to them? 

[steven-g]

Do you have the latest version update installed? Type "about" and let us know what your Product version number is, it should be 2022.1.1

[pendean]

Are your XREFs on noplot layers?

[moe4082]

Xrefs load and display just fine and are not on a no-plot layer.  As I said, if I manually plot each layout, they will show up on the PDF.  If I publish the layouts using a batch plot, that is when they don't show.

I am running the most current version at 2022.1.1.

[pendean]

Have you run RECOVER command on each and every DWG file in the set then saved to ensure there are no problems within them yet? Do so now if not.

If it works in PLOT but not in PUBLISH, you may have a pagesetup selection that is conflicting with your desired effect somehow, or your XREFs are just not being found and loaded somehow (xrefs/files locations coming into play, your fullpathing is the problem).

You will need to use ETRANSMIT command to bundle all of your DWG files in a ZIP, then post here for us to try using PUBLISH command: in our office there are no such issues for anyone.

[ammarnabulsi]

I am facing the same issue. Have you by any chance found the solution to this problem?

Thanks! 🙂

[moe4082]

I never came up with a true fix through AutoCAD to resolve the issue.  What has seemed to help is re-organizing my file structure for where my Xref's live.  I used to have separate folders for Building/Structural/PME CAD files.  Those files would like to an Xref folder within my Building folder.  The probably typically happened with Structural/PME files that needed to go more than 1 folder away for the Xref.  I have now combined all of my Building/Structural/PME CAD files into one folder.  Within that 1 folder is where my Xref's live.  All those files now just need to go one folder away to find the Xref.  Since I have re-organized, I haven't had any further issues.

[ammarnabulsi]

Thanks I’ll give that a shot and see if it works for me

[ammarnabulsi]

Thanks I’ll give that a shot and see if it works for me

[Robrsm]

i'm using 2023 and have had issues batch plotting for years.  sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.

its very frustrating, the work around is to plot each sheet individually and combine the pdfs.

sure wish this issue would have been fixed in the latest release.

does anybody know what how to fix this problem?

[pendean]

@Robrsm Turn off background publishing and see if that helps.
When PUBLISH fails, AutoCAD presents you with a pop-up in the lower right corner telling you what went wrong: next time it happens, tap that and explore what is says.

BTW, our 2023 version needs to be up to the level of 2023.1.3: your ABOUT command will confirm if you have this or not. If you do not, fix it ASAP.