ExternalReference Object (ActiveX)

An instance of an external reference inserted into a drawing.

Supported Platforms: Windows only

Class Information

Class Name

AcadExternalReference

Object Inheritance
Object
   AcadObject
      AcadEntity
         AcadBlockReference
            AcadExternalReference
Create Using

VBA

ModelSpace.AttachExternalReference
PaperSpace.AttachExternalReference
Block.AttachExternalReference
Access Via

VBA

ModelSpace.Item
PaperSpace.Item
Block.Item
SelectionSet.Item
Group.Item

Members

These members are part of this object:

Remarks

An external reference (xref) links another drawing to the current drawing. When you insert a drawing as a block, the block definition and all the associated geometry is stored in the current drawing database. It is not updated if the original drawing changes. When you insert a drawing as an xref, however, it is updated when the original drawing changes. A drawing containing xrefs always reflects the most current edits of each externally referenced file.

Like a block reference, AutoCAD displays an xref in the current drawing as a single object. However, an xref does not significantly increase the file size of the current drawing and cannot be exploded. As with block references, you can nest xrefs that are attached to your drawing.