To Create Profile References

Create a reference to an existing profile in a data shortcut or a Vault project. The profile reference is a lightweight read-only copy of the original, but it gives you access to profile data for other objects. Before you create a profile reference in the current drawing, the reference object or data shortcut must exist in the current project collection on the Toolspace Prospector tab.

When a profile reference is created, a reference to the profile’s parent alignment is also created in the drawing. AutoCAD Civil 3D automatically looks for the correct alignment reference in the source drawing when creating the profile reference.

To create a reference to a data shortcut profile

1. In Toolspace, on the Prospector tab, ensure that the correct project folder is identified on the Data Shortcuts node.
2. Expand the Data ShortcutsAlignments collection.
3. Expand the parent alignment of the profile you want to reference.
4. Right-click the desired profile, and then click Create Reference.

   The Create Profile Reference dialog box is displayed, in which you can optionally change the properties of the reference profile, as described in the following steps.

5. In the Create Profile Reference dialog box, change the source of the reference by selecting a source in the Source Profile list.
6. Change the source parent alignment by selecting an alignment from the Source Alignment list.
7. Enter a Name for the profile.
   Note: To name the profile, click its default name. Enter a new name, or use the name template.
8. Specify a Profile Style or accept the default style.
9. Click to select a layer.
   Note: If you do not select a layer, the profile is placed on the current layer.
10. Specify a Profile Label Set or accept the default label set.
11. Click OK to create the profile reference.

    A reference to the parent alignment is also created. The alignment name is displayed under the Alignments collection in the Prospector tree with a next to it. Expand the alignment name and the Profiles collection to view the profile reference.

To create a reference to a profile in a Vault project

1. In Toolspace, on the Prospector tab, in Master View, expand the Projects <project name> Alignments collection.
2. Expand the parent alignment of the profile you want to reference.
3. Right-click the desired profile, and then click Create Reference.

   The Create Profile Reference dialog box is displayed, in which you can optionally change the properties of the reference profile, as described in the following steps.

4. In the Create Profile Reference dialog box, change the source of the reference by selecting a source in the Source Profile list.
5. Change the source parent alignment by selecting an alignment from the Source Alignment list.
6. Enter a Name for the profile.
   Note: To name the profile, click its default name. Enter a new name, or use the name template.
7. Specify a Profile Style or accept the default style.
8. Click to select a layer.
   Note: If you do not select a layer, the profile is placed on the current layer.
9. Specify a Profile Label Set or accept the default label set.
10. Click OK to create the profile reference.

    A reference to the parent alignment is also created. The alignment name is displayed under the Alignments collection in the Prospector tree with a next to it. Expand the alignment name and the Profiles collection to view the profile reference.