2012

A typical xref definition includes objects, such as lines or arcs. It also includes
xref-dependent definitions of blocks, dimension styles, layers, linetypes, and
text styles. When you attach an xref, the program differentiates the names of
these xref-dependent named objects from those in the current drawing by
preceding their names with the name of the referenced drawing and a vertical
bar character ( | ). For example, in the Layer Properties Manager, the
xref-dependent named object that is a layer named STEEL in a referenced
drawing called stair.dwg is listed as STAIR|STEEL.
When you attach an xref, the definitions of its dependent named objects are
not added to your drawing permanently. Instead, these definitions are loaded
from the referenced drawing file each time you reload it.
Bind Xref-Dependent Definitions
An xref-dependent named object's definition can change if the referenced
drawing file is modified. For example, a layer name from a referenced drawing
can change if the referenced drawing is modified. The layer name can even
disappear if it is purged from the referenced drawing. This is why the program
does not allow you to use an xref-dependent layer or other named object
directly. For example, you cannot insert an xref-dependent block or make an
xref-dependent layer the current layer and begin creating new objects on it.
To avoid the restrictions on xref-dependent named objects, you can bind them
to your current drawing. Binding makes the xref-dependent named objects
that you select become a permanent part of your current drawing.
When xref-dependent named objects are merged into a drawing through
binding, you can use them the same way you use the drawing's own named
objects. After you bind an xref-dependent named object, the vertical bar
character ( | ) is removed from the name and replaced with two dollar signs
($$) separated by a number (usually zero): for example, the referenced layer,
STAIR|STEEL, becomes STAIR$0$STEEL. You can then use the RENAME
command to change STAIR$0$STEEL to STEEL.
If you specify a layer whose associated linetype is not CONTINUOUS, the
referenced linetype is also bound. If you apply XBIND to a block, all named
objects that are referenced by the objects in the block are also bound. If the
block contains a reference to an xref, that xref and all of its dependent
definitions are bound.
To bind xref-dependent named objects to the current draw ing
1 Click Modify ➤ Object ➤ External Reference ➤ Bind.
1314 | Chapter 32 Reference Other Drawing Files