Open Reference

Type the text equivalent at the command prompt

The OPEN REFERENCE command loads a selected file as a read-only overlay, sharing the same coordinate space as other loaded overlay/reference drawings. A reference drawing is exactly the same as an overlay file, except that entities on a reference file cannot be modified.

Choose a file. The reference loads into the same window as the first loaded drawing (loaded either by default when CC3 started, or with the OPEN command).

You can load as many reference files as your computer’s memory allows.

All entities on a reference file cannot be edited. They behave as if they were on a fronzen layer. For instance, modifiers will work with entities on reference drawings.

Reference files are listed in the Multi-Drawing Control dialog with a "R" in the second checkbox column, and an overlay icon in the third checkbox column.

To close a reference file, you can use the Multi-Drawing Control dialog, select the desired reference, and choose the Close file button.

How does an overlay file differ from a reference file?

A reference file is an overlay file that cannot be edited. That is, no entities on a reference file can be selected for editing. Reference files cannot be selected as active in the Multi-Drawing Control dialog. Reference files can be made editable by checking off the "R" in the second column control box (changing its status to a selectable overlay). Conversely, an overlay can be made a read-only reference by checking on the "R" in the second column control box.

Text equivalent: OPENREF