xref layers

[clicker]

I have one file (file A) which xrefs several files, all with various layers turned on and off. I created a new file (file B). I xref file A into file B, and ALL layers in file A's xrefs are turned on, and I have to go into layer manager and turn off all unwantd layers. Is there any way to make it so that the layer state in file A is kept, when xreffing it into file B?

[nestly]

Have a look at the VISRETAIN variable.

[clicker]

I've switched the VISRETAIN variable in file B to 1 and 0, & re- xreffed file A, and it always comes on with all layers visible. Do I need to go into file A (and/or it's respective xrefs) and swith the VISRETAIN there too? someone. help. me.

[RobDraw]

You could have tried and tested switching it by now, did it work? It should have.

[khama]

When I load an xref, I can freeze the layer using the freeze icon in Layers 2 toolbar and clicking on the layer object. Can't you do this?

 

The only downside is that everything on that layer is also frozen.

[daha]

I have the same issue; switching between visretrain 1 & 0 made matters worse. What I would really like to be able to do is have the Layer States saved in each of my xrefs where I can maange those layer states from within my base dwg individually of the others. In other words, layer states ONLY affect the dwgs they were created in, not any other. Thus, you'd have the ability of indepenndenty control the layer states separate from the other layer states. This would solve the problem. What you have now is a mass list of layer states from the base and the xrefs (if you turn that option on) and restoring one layer state affects the whole shabang. I don't want that (as there a many identical layers). I want to be able to turn on and off exactly what I need and the Layer State (to me) seems to be the most logical means.

[irneb]

The layer states idea works fine. You can save a layer state inside the xref, and then restore it in the containing DWG. Or you could make a layer state in the containing DWG, export it, then import it into the 2nd containing DWG and restore it there.

 

Note as long as the layer names are the same, then the same thing will happen in the 2nd file after importing. So don't rename the xrefs. And you might want to make a state for the local layers so you can restore them separately if the 1st & 2nd DWGs differ. Look with some concentration at the various options in the states manager dialog, some of those may help, while others should be turned off.