Expert: Bob - 7/10/2008

Question
Architectural designer w/ 1 year experience, A2k6.
As part of a large project it has become my responsibility to upload dwg files to a website to distribute to consultants, contractors, etc.  Part of this process involves purge, audit, and stripping out xrefs that might be attached.  My question is, is it possible to automate the detach xref process for multiple xrefs?  I can't figure out how to use the command line interface to select the xrefs to detach without naming the specific xrefs.

Answer
Hi -- it took me a minute to figure that you mean AutoCAD 2006.

Yes, I think someone could write a script(and undoubtedly has), but I dont do that, dont teach it. Thus I would send you to the Autodesk Discussion Group
_____http://discussion.autodesk.com/forum.jspa?forumID=130
I would guess there is also inexpensive 3rd party software to do it.

Me, I would use the tools in the program, and move away from command line dependence -- that seems archaic. The Xref Manager in 2006 is good -- although, if I had a ton of projects to strip, I would probably dl a trial of AutoCAD 2009 for 30 days (does not interfere with 2006) and use the newer XREF Palette.

As a fairly new person, I would think I would benefit from seeing what I was deleting, and thus learning how the projects were set up.

When I teach, I gloss over command line dependence, autolisp, etc., as mainly useful when a student will later work with stubborn CAD guys who cling to habits from 10-20 years ago, when they themselves learned. All the years and millions of development have changed the interface and useability dramatically -- my 2 cents.

BOB