How do you reference edit in AutoCAD?

To edit external references (Xrefs) or block definitions directly within your current AutoCAD drawing, you utilize the REFEDIT command for "in-place" editing. This powerful feature allows you to modify components of an Xref or block without needing to open its original source file in a separate window, ensuring changes are made in context.

Understanding In-Place Editing (REFEDIT)

The REFEDIT command temporarily opens the selected external reference or block in a special editing session within your current drawing. This provides a focused environment where you can modify its elements, add new objects, or delete existing ones, all while viewing it in the context of your main drawing. This method significantly enhances efficiency and accuracy, especially when dealing with complex projects.

Methods to Initiate In-Place Editing in AutoCAD

There are several convenient ways to start an in-place editing session for Xrefs and blocks:

1. Using the AutoCAD Ribbon

The ribbon provides a direct button to access the REFEDIT command:

Navigate to the Insert tab on the ribbon.
In the Reference panel, click on Edit Reference in Place.
AutoCAD will then prompt you to select the external reference or block you wish to modify in the drawing area.

2. Through the Menu Bar (Classic Interface)

If you are using a classic AutoCAD workspace with a visible menu bar, you can initiate REFEDIT as follows:

Go to the Tools menu.
For block references, choose Edit Block.
For external references (Xrefs), choose X-Ref In-Place Edit In-Place.
At the prompt, select the external reference or block in your drawing.

3. Using the Command Line

For a quick and direct approach, the command line is an efficient option:

Type refedit (or its alias re) in the command line.
Press Enter.
AutoCAD will prompt you to select the external reference or block that you want to edit.

4. Double-Clicking (Contextual)

In many AutoCAD configurations, double-clicking on an Xref or block will automatically trigger the REFEDIT dialog box or the Block Editor, streamlining the process.

Here's a summary of the initiation methods:

Method	Location/Command	Action
Ribbon	`Insert` tab > `Reference` panel	Click `Edit Reference in Place`
Menu (Classic)	`Tools` menu	Choose `Edit Block` or `X-Ref In-Place Edit In-Place`
Command Line	Type `refedit` (or `re`)	Press `Enter`
Double-Click	Directly on the reference in the drawing	Opens `Refedit` dialog or Block Editor (depending on configuration)

The `REFEDIT` Workflow: Step-by-Step

Once you've initiated REFEDIT and selected your desired reference, follow these steps:

1. Selecting the Reference

After activating the REFEDIT command, AutoCAD will prompt you to "Select reference." Click directly on the external reference or block in your drawing that you intend to modify.

2. The `Reference Edit` Dialog Box

Upon selection, the Reference Edit dialog box will appear, offering several options:

Reference name: Confirms the name of the Xref or block being edited.
Enable unique name creation for duplicate Xref names: (If applicable) This option helps manage unique object names within nested Xrefs.
Select objects: Allows you to specify which objects within the reference you want to edit. You can choose to Include all objects or manually select specific ones if the reference is complex and you only need to modify a part of it.
Display attribute definitions: (For blocks containing attributes) This ensures attribute definitions are visible during editing.

Click OK to proceed into the editing session.

3. Editing in the Temporary Workspace

AutoCAD will then switch to a special refedit session. The chosen reference will be highlighted, and often a boundary box will appear around it. Other objects in your host drawing typically become faded or locked (depending on your display settings) to help you focus on the reference being edited.

Within this temporary workspace, you can use all standard AutoCAD editing commands (MOVE, COPY, ERASE, TRIM, EXTEND, SCALE, etc.) to modify, add, or delete components of the Xref or block. Any new objects you create during this session will become part of the reference.

4. Saving or Discarding Changes

Once your modifications are complete, you must decide whether to apply or abandon them:

Save Changes: To apply your modifications, navigate to the Reference panel on the Insert tab and click Save Reference Edits. Alternatively, type refclose in the command line and choose the Save the reference changes option. This action updates the original source file (for Xrefs) or the block definition within the current drawing.
Discard Changes: If you wish to abandon all modifications made during the session, click Discard Reference Edits on the Reference panel, or type refclose and choose Discard the reference changes.

After saving or discarding, the refedit session will close, and your drawing will return to its normal state, reflecting the updated (or unchanged) reference.

Tips for Efficient In-Place Editing

Impact of Changes: Be aware that REFEDIT modifies the original definition of the block or Xref. This means changes will apply to all instances of that block or Xref in the current drawing, and for Xrefs, to any other drawings where that Xref is attached.
Nested References: AutoCAD allows you to REFEDIT nested blocks or Xrefs, enabling you to modify references contained within other references.
REFSET Command: During an active REFEDIT session, you can use the REFSET command to dynamically add or remove objects from your current working set.
Visual Cues: Pay attention to the highlighting and fading of objects. Only the objects within the highlighted boundary are part of your active editing session.
Xrefs vs. Blocks:
- Editing an Xref in-place directly alters the source DWG file on disk. Ensure you have the necessary write permissions.
- Editing a block in-place only modifies the block definition within the current drawing. It does not affect any external DWG files unless the block was derived from an Xref that was bound.

For more detailed information on managing external references and blocks, refer to the official Autodesk AutoCAD documentation on Xrefs and Autodesk AutoCAD documentation on Blocks.