To Work With Xref Paths

Change, remove, or make Xref paths relative. Modify file options to specify a project's name or search path.

Relative paths are partially specified folder paths that assume the current drive letter or the folder of the host drawing. This is the most flexible option, and enables you to move a set of drawings from your current drive to a different drive that uses the same folder structure.

Display the External References Palette

Click View tab Palettes panel External References Palette. Find

Display the Options Dialog Box.

Do one of the following:

• Click Application button > Options.
• At the Command prompt, enter OPTIONS.

Change the Path of a DWG Reference

1. Display the External References palette.
2. Select a DWG reference name and, under Saved Path, do one of the following:
   • Edit the xref path directly.
   • Click within the edit box, and then click the Browse button (...) that appears. Select the xref in its new path.
3. Click OK.

   The program reloads the xref and then regenerates the drawing with the xref in place.

Remove an Xref Path

1. Display the External References palette.
2. Right-click the reference name and choose Path Remove Path.

Set an Xref Path to Be Relative or Absolute

1. Display the External References palette.
2. Display the path options using one of the following methods:
   • In the File References pane, right-click the reference name.
   • In the Details panel, click the Browse button.
   • In the External References toolbar, click the Change Path button.
3. Select one of the following options:
   • Path Make Relative.

     Sets a path that assumes the current drive letter or the folder of the host drawing.

     Note: Use this option only if the drawing and the referenced file are stored on the same drive.
   • Path Make Absolute.

     Sets a path that includes a local hard drive letter, a URL to a website, or a network server drive letter.

Display Currently Defined Project Names

1. Display the Options Dialog Box.
2. In the Options dialog box, Files tab, double-click Project Files Search Path.
3. Click each project name folder to display the search paths associated with it and click OK.

Add a Project Name

1. Display the Options Dialog Box.
2. In the Options dialog box, Files tab, double-click Project Files Search Path. Click Add.

   A folder named projectx (where x indicates the next available number) is created and indented beneath the project folder.

3. Either enter a new name, or press Enter to accept projectx and click OK.

   The project name must be 31 characters or fewer, and it cannot contain leading spaces or terminating spaces.

Remove a Project Name

1. Display the Options Dialog Box.
2. In the Options dialog box, Files tab, double-click Project Files Search Path.
3. Select a project name, click Remove.
4. Click OK.

Modify a Project Name

1. Display the Options Dialog Box.
2. In the Options dialog box, Files tab, select a project name.
3. Enter a new name and click OK.

   You can also modify a project name by selecting the name in the project folder and pressing F2.

Add a Search Path

1. Display the Options Dialog Box.
2. In the Options dialog box, Files tab, select a project name and click Add.
3. Enter a new search path beneath the project name, or click Browse and select a new path and click OK

Delete a Search Path

1. Display the Options Dialog Box.
2. In the Options dialog box, Files tab, select a project name and Click Remove.

Change a Search Path

1. Display the Options Dialog Box.
2. In the Options dialog box, Files tab, select a project name. Click Browse.
3. In the Browse for Folder dialog box, select a new path.
4. Click OK to close each dialog box.

   You can also change a search path by selecting the project path and pressing F2.

Make a Project Current

1. Display the Options Dialog Box.
2. In the Options dialog box, Files tab, double-click Project Files Search Path.
3. Select a Project name. Click Set Current.
4. Click OK (or Apply).

   You can also set a project current by entering PROJECTNAME at the Command prompt and then entering the name of the project.

Clear the Current Project

1. Display the Options Dialog Box.
2. In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click Project Files Search Path.
3. Click Clear Current and click OK.

   This clears the setting for the current drawing.

   You can also clear the current project at the Command prompt by entering PROJECTNAME and then entering a period (.).