XRefs won't detach

[Anonymous]

In one file, I have 2-3 sheets (tabs) that use the same XRef. If I want to change the name of that XRef, then I want to take it out of the file and replace it with a new XRef. The problem is when I go the Reference Box and click on 'Detach', it doesn't detach. I can erase the XRef on all tabs (sheets of my drawings) and Purge and close the file. When I come back, and try to detach again it doesn't work without deleting all tabs but one, then it detaches.  Of course, then I have to recreate all my tabs again. How can I detach an XRefs from a file with several tabs? 

[pendean]

Is it an XREF inside one of your other XREFs by chance? Find out by opening all the others.

[Anonymous]

The XRef is just the titleblock (sheet title, job title, date, etc.) for my drawing sheets. I have a floor plan tab and an electrical plan tab. I call in the XRef on paper space, then I copy that sheet to make the next sheet. Each new tab (sheet) has the same XRef. Maybe I copy the tabs Before I put the titleblock on?

[imadHabash]

Hi,

>> Maybe I copy the tabs Before I put the titleblock on?

before or after , it's NOT the issue !!!

>>OP :The problem is when I go the Reference Box and click on 'Detach', it doesn't detach. 

after renaming your xref , right click on it ( in External References Palette ) and unload it then reload it again to find that your xref is NOT found , now try to detach it , any changes ?

also ... :

• you have to check your Blocks .. probably the xref has been defined within  block in the drawing .  
• check if the title block in your drawing i not a nested reference , i mean that it's not come from another attached reference .  >> Click <<

[RobDraw]

AutoCAD tells you (or should) that you cannot detach because there are multiple instances of the XREF. If you only have one instance of it, it can be detached.

[Anonymous]

(backstory: I have been working with ACAD for 20 years!)  Yes, the XRef will detach only if you have only one tab (for me, one sheet in the file). It will not detach if there are several tabs. Architectural sheets like the foundation and floor framing plans are in the same file because they are similar in layout. I have to delete all my tabs but one, which means I have to recreate all the tabs again. No one seems to know the answer to this, so it must be another ACAD glitch which will probably not be fixed anytime soon.

[imadHabash]

>> so it must be another ACAD glitch which will probably not be fixed anytime soon.

i guess Not !!!  i will be glad if you attache here your xrefs and the drawing with the problem ?  🙂

[cadffm · Accepted solution]

Me too
I know it's not.

But without the files (etransmit all)..

Thats the way "by hand". Delete all layouts except one,

All layers ON THAW and VP THAW

Start QSELECT, can you find the Xref?

If not, EXPLODE all block-references, Start QSELECT, can you find the Xref?

If nothing helps, share the data with the lovely helpers in autodesk forums 😉

[RobDraw]

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@Anonymous wrote:

(backstory: I have been working with ACAD for 20 years!)  Yes, the XRef will detach only if you have only one tab (for me, one sheet in the file). 

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Wrong. It will only detach when you have one instance. You do not have to delete the tabs, just the XREF from the tab. You will only need to replace the title block, not rebuild the tabs.

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@Anonymous wrote:

No one seems to know the answer to this, so it must be another ACAD glitch which will probably not be fixed anytime soon.

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Call it what you want but it has always been that way and there is probably a good reason for it. It works as designed.

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@Anonymous wrote:

(backstory: I have been working with ACAD for 20 years!)  

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You never had to replace a title block on multiple tabs before. It's okay but you shouldn't blame it on a glitch. Everyone has to learn new things. I strive to learn at least one new thing every day.

[Nathan.HilsonN67V6]

@Anonymous This happens when xrefs are copied into the same dwgs as blocks. Find the block & insert it into the drawing. Select it & use the command select similar, then delete. Then Purge the block from the file & you should be able to detach the exrefs. In this case you don't have to delete all the tabs.