AutoCAD 2008 User's Guide > Share Data Between Drawings and Applications > Reference Other Drawing Files > Edit Referenced Drawings > 
Edit Selected Objects in Referenced Drawings and Blocks
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
 
 
 

You can modify external references and redefine block definitions from within the current drawing by using in-place reference editing. Both blocks and xrefs are considered references.

By editing the reference in place, you can modify the reference within the visual context of your current drawing.

Often, a drawing contains one or more xrefs as well as multiple block references. When working with block references, you can select a block, modify it, view and edit its properties, and update the block definition.

When working with xrefs, you can select the reference you want to work with, modify its objects, and save back the changes to the reference drawing. You can make minor changes without having to go back and forth between drawings.

NoteIf you plan to make major changes to a reference, open the reference drawing and edit directly within the file. Using in-place reference editing to make major changes can increase the size of your current drawing file significantly during the in-place reference editing session.

Understand the Working Set

Only the objects that are a part of the selected reference are available for selection in the drawing area. The objects you select from the selected reference are extracted and made available for modification in the current drawing. The set of extracted objects, or the working set, can be modified and then saved back to update the xref or block definition. Objects that make up the working set are visually distinct from other objects in the drawing. All objects in the current drawing, except objects in the working set, are faded.

Control the Fading of Objects

The XFADECTL system variable controls how objects are displayed while a reference is edited in place. The set of objects extracted from the reference are displayed normally. All other objects in the drawing, including objects in the current drawing and in any references not belonging to the working set, are faded. The value indicates the intensity of display for objects not in the working set. The larger the value is for XFADECTL, the more the objects are faded.

NoteObjects outside the working set are not faded during in-place reference editing unless SHADEMODE is set to a value of 2D wireframe.

Use the Refedit Toolbar

The Refedit toolbar is displayed and activated after you select which nested objects to edit. Using the buttons on the Refedit toolbar, you can add objects to or remove objects from the working set, and you can discard or save back changes to the reference. Unless it is docked, the Refedit toolbar is automatically dismissed after you save back or discard changes made to the working set.