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

Do one of the following:

• Click View tab Palettes panel External References Palette. Find
• Click Insert tab Reference Panel Find.
• At the Command prompt, enter EXTERNALREFERENCES.

Change the Path of a Drawing Reference (Xref)

1. Display the External References palette.
2. On the External References palette, make sure all references are displayed by switching the Missing toggle off.
3. In the File References panel, select a drawing reference.
4. Under the Details pane, edit the Saved Path property by doing one of the following:
   • Select the current path and edit the path directly in the text box. Press Enter to accept the change.
   • Select the current path and then click the Browse button (...) that appears in the text box. Select the xref in its new path and click Open.

   The program reloads the xref and then regenerates the drawing.

5. In the External References - Apply Path message box, click Yes to apply the same path to other missing references or click No to not update the paths of other missing references.

Remove a Drawing Reference (Xref) Path

1. Display the External References palette.
2. On the External References palette, make sure all references are displayed by switching the Missing toggle off.
3. In the File References pane, right-click a reference name and choose Change Path Type Remove Path.

Set a Drawing Reference (Xref) Path to Be Relative or Absolute

1. Display the External References palette.
2. On the External References palette, make sure all references are displayed by switching the Missing toggle off.
3. Display the path options using one of the following methods:
   • In the File References pane, right-click the reference name.
   • On the toolbar along the top of the palette, click the Change Path drop-down menu.
4. Select one of the following options:
   • 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.
   • Make Absolute.

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