AutoCAD Civil 3D supports three reference types:
- Vault references
- Data shortcuts
- AutoCAD external references (xrefs)
Vault references and data shortcuts can be used for project surfaces, alignments, profiles, pipe networks, and view frame groups. Vault projects can be converted to data shortcut projects, and data shortcuts projects can be converted to Vault projects. AutoCAD external references can be used with any drawing, regardless of contents. Each reference format is explained in the following sections.
Topics in this section
- Autodesk Vault Overview
Autodesk Vault is the recommended project management option for large design teams working with AutoCAD Civil 3D.
- Data Shortcuts Overview
Data shortcuts provide complete reference copies of objects that you can insert into one or more other drawings.
- External References Overview
An external reference (xref) inserts the entire contents of another drawing into the current drawing as a display-only object.