To unload an xref, use the Unload method. When you unload a referenced file that is not being used in the current drawing, the AutoCAD performance is enhanced by not having to read and display unnecessary drawing geometry or symbol table information. The xref geometry and that of any nested xref is not displayed in the current drawing until the xref is reloaded.
This example attaches an external reference and then unloads the external reference. This example uses the 3D House.dwg file found in the sample directory. If you do not have this image, or if it is located in a different directory, insert a valid path and file name for the PathName variable.
Sub Ch10_UnloadingExternalReference()
On Error GoTo ERRORHANDLER
' Define external reference to be inserted
Dim xrefHome As AcadBlock
Dim xrefInserted As AcadExternalReference
Dim insertionPnt(0 To 2) As Double
Dim PathName As String
insertionPnt(0) = 1
insertionPnt(1) = 1
insertionPnt(2) = 0
PathName = "c:/AutoCAD 2008/sample/3D House.dwg"
' Add the external reference
Set xrefInserted = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _
AttachExternalReference(PathName, "XREF_IMAGE", _
insertionPnt, 1, 1, 1, 0, False)
ZoomAll
MsgBox "The external reference is attached."
' Unload the external reference definition
ThisDrawing.Blocks.Item(xrefInserted.name).Unload
MsgBox "The external reference is unloaded."
Exit Sub
ERRORHANDLER:
MsgBox Err.Description
End Sub
