How to Exit Xref Edit in AutoCAD?

Understanding Reference Editing in AutoCAD

Reference editing in AutoCAD is an important feature that allows users to work on block references and externally linked drawings (known as Xrefs). Knowing how to effectively exit reference editing sessions ensures that your changes are saved and your workflow remains efficient.

Steps to Exit Xref Edit in AutoCAD

1. Initiate the REFEDIT Command:
   To begin, type REFEDIT in the command line and hit Enter. This command allows you to enter the editing mode of an Xref.

2. Locate the Refedit Toolbar:
   After entering the REFEDIT command, a toolbar should appear on your screen if it’s not already visible. This toolbar contains various options for managing your reference edits.

3. Save Changes:
   On the Refedit toolbar, find the button that resembles a disk icon. When you hover over it, it will display the message “Save back changes to reference.” Click this button to save all modifications made during the editing session.

4. Exit the Reference Editing Session:
   After saving your changes, you can exit the reference editing mode. You can do this by either clicking the Refedit tool on the toolbar again or typing REFCLOSE in the command line to close the editing session.

5. Confirm Your Changes:
   A prompt may appear asking you to confirm whether the changes should be saved. Ensure that you confirm this to successfully exit the editing mode while retaining your modifications.

Alternate Methods to Exit Reference Editing

1. Using the Command Bar:
   Another quick method is to type REFCLOSE directly in the command bar. This command ends the reference editing session without needing to navigate through the menus.

2. Closing the Editing Window:
   If you have opened the Xref drawing in a separate window, you can simply close that window. AutoCAD will prompt you to save any changes made to the Xref, allowing for a clean exit.

Managing Xrefs Effectively

It’s advisable to regularly save your progress while editing Xrefs to avoid losing any crucial changes. Properly detaching Xrefs or managing paths can help maintain an organized project environment.

FAQ

1. What happens if I forget to save my changes before exiting?
If you do not save your changes before exiting the reference editing session, the modifications made will be discarded, and the original reference will remain unchanged.

2. Can I edit an Xref while remaining in the main drawing?
Yes, you can edit an Xref while remaining in the main drawing environment by using the REFEDIT command. This allows for in-place editing without having to open the Xref separately.

3. How do I view the changes made to an Xref after editing?
After you save and exit the reference editing session, the changes made to the Xref will be reflected immediately in your main drawing, allowing you to see the updated design or information integrated into your work.