External References

Embed files in all supported formats (also DWG, DXF, PDF, and SVG) directly into your drawing using external references. This keeps the drawing file itself small, while all references can be adjusted at any time.

Once loaded, a reference behaves like a block and can therefore be copied, moved, and otherwise edited as a whole.

Especially if you frequently receive completed drawings from partners and only need to make a few additions, external references provide a fast and reliable solution. Simply insert the file (regardless of its format) as an external reference and use it as an underlay for drawing over.

For non-MKD formats, the import options are stored with each reference, allowing you to combine very different files within a single drawing. For PDF files, you can additionally choose which page should be displayed. Both the options and the selected page can be modified later.

To archive or share a drawing with external references, use the “Save as Project Archive” function to ensure all required files are included.

Please be aware that some functions such as import of DWG, DXF, and PDF are not part of CAD6starter.