How to Grey Out Xref in AutoCAD?

Graying Out Xrefs in AutoCAD: A Step-by-Step Guide

Graying out external references (Xrefs) in AutoCAD can enhance the appearance of your drawings, making it easier to focus on specific elements. The process for achieving this effect can be accomplished through several methods. The following steps outline how to gray out Xrefs effectively.

Adjusting Xref Colors in Viewports

One common approach to gray out Xrefs is by modifying their color settings within viewports. This allows you to maintain the original appearance of the Xrefs in model space while altering how they are displayed in paper space.

1. Switch to paper space by selecting the desired layout tab.
2. Activate your viewport by double-clicking inside it.
3. Access the Layer Properties Manager by clicking on the Home tab, then navigating to the Layers Panel and selecting Layer Properties.
4. Locate the Xref layers you want to modify in the Layer Properties Manager.
5. Change the color of these layers to a gray tone. Typically, color 8 is used as it provides a light gray effect.
6. Confirm your changes and exit the Layer Properties Manager. The Xrefs will now appear gray within the viewport while retaining their original colors in model space.

Using Plot Styles for Grayscale Output

Another method to gray out Xrefs is by configuring the plot styles specifically for print output. This option is beneficial if you want to ensure consistency during printing.

1. Open the Application menu and navigate to Print, then Manage Plot Styles.
2. Find the plot style table file you intend to adjust and double-click it to open the Plot Style Table Editor.
3. Within the Form View tab, select the plot style that applies to your Xrefs.
4. Set the color mode to Grayscale by selecting the appropriate option, then choose whether to apply it by toggling On or Off.
5. After modifying your settings, click Save & Close to apply these changes.
6. When you print, the Xrefs should now be displayed in grayscale according to your plot style settings.

Adjusting Layer Transparency

For additional control over how Xrefs are displayed in drawings, you can modify their transparency levels.

1. Open the OPTIONS dialogue box by typing OPTIONS in the command line.
2. Navigate to the DISPLAY tab.
3. Look for the “Fade Control” section located at the bottom-right of the dialogue box.
4. Move the slider labeled “Xref display” to adjust the level of fading you wish to apply. This adjustment allows you to control how translucent the Xrefs appear in your drawing.
5. Click OK to apply these changes.

FAQ

Can I change the color of an Xref after it has been inserted?

Yes, while Xrefs are read-only for their object styles, you can adjust their layer colors in the Layer Properties Manager. This lets you modify how they appear without altering the original Xref file.

What if my Xref does not change color in paperspace?

If the color change is not reflected in paperspace, ensure that you have activated the correct viewport and that the layer is set to display the desired color. Additionally, check if you are using the proper plot style settings.

Is there a way to revert the changes made to the Xref appearance?

Yes, you can revert changes by accessing the Layer Properties Manager again or the Plot Style Table Editor, depending on which method you used. Simply restore the original color settings or disable grayscale in your plot styles as needed.