The process to label xref objects is the same as if you were labeling an object in the current drawing. If the xref object is modified in the source drawing, then the corresponding label updates dynamically.
Labels that you add to an object in an xref exist in the current drawing. If you detach the xref, labels created in the current drawing will be lost.
For xref labels to be created
- The xref must be inserted into the current drawing at 0, 0, 0.
- The xref must be scaled at 1,1,1.
- The xref must not be rotated.
Objects in an xref cannot be individually context selected.
When an xref is modified, the xref label can be affected and/or removed. The following table describes the behavior of existing xref labels if the xref is modified through xref or AutoCAD commands.
| Command | Result |
|---|---|
| Xref Unload | While unloaded, the labels temporarily disappear, but still exist. When the xref is reloaded, the labels reappear. |
| Broken (Xref not found) | This occurs when an xRef file is renamed, deleted or path to it changed. While not found, the labels temporarily disappear, but still exist. When the xref is reloaded, the labels reappear. |
| Xref Detach (or erase) | The labels are erased and cannot be restored. |
| Xref Reload | The labels updated accordingly to the xref. If the xref has been modified, the label updates. If the xref has been removed, the label is erased. |
| Bind Xref | The label is erased. |
| Explode Xref | The label is erased. |
| AutoCAD command that alters the size or position of the xref. Such as move, rotate, or stretch. | Labels are converted to a single line of text "???", at the new insertion point. When the xref is altered back to meet the insertion requirements listed previously, the labels regenerate and appear as designed. When an xref is moved, the label displays xref moved. |
If a drawing containing Autodesk Civil 3D objects and labels is inserted as an xref into another drawing, the labels will not be altered. It is recommended that if you insert xrefs that include labels, you should set the labels on layers that can be frozen.
Tutorial Exercise: Attaching Drawings as Xrefs for Annotation