XBIND Command

Binds dependent symbols of an xref to a drawing

Modify menu: Object > External Reference Bind
Command line: xbind

The XBIND dialog box is displayed.

If you enter -xbind at the Command prompt, XBIND presents options on the command line.


An xref is a drawing that you attach to or overlay on your current drawing. To use XBIND, you must have an xref attached to the current drawing. For more information, see the XREF command.

In xrefs, dependent symbols are named objects such as blocks, dimension styles, layers, linetypes, and text styles. AutoCAD LT binds the dependent symbols to the current drawing and saves them with the drawing at the end of the session.

The dependent symbols you specify are added to your drawing. You can manipulate them as you would any other named object. AutoCAD LT replaces the vertical bar symbol (|) from each dependent symbol name with three new characters: a number (usually 0) between two dollar signs ($).

If you specify a layer whose associated linetype is not CONTINUOUS, AutoCAD LT also binds the referenced linetype. If you apply XBIND to a block, any block, dimension style, layer, linetype, or text style that is referenced by objects in the block is also bound. If the block contains a reference to an xref (external reference), AutoCAD LT binds that xref and all its dependent symbols.

XBIND Dialog Box

Select symbols to bind.

Xrefs

Lists the xrefs currently attached to the drawing. Selecting an xref displays its symbol table definitions.

Definitions to Bind

Lists the xref-dependent symbol table definitions to bind.

Add

Moves the definitions highlighted in the Xrefs list into the Definitions to Bind list.

Remove

Moves the xref definition selected in the Definitions to Bind list back to its xref-dependent symbol table.

Using the Command Line (XBIND)

Block / Dimstyle / LAyer / LType / Style: Enter an option

Depending on the option, AutoCAD LT prompts for a dependent symbol such as a block, dimstyle, layer, linetype, or style.

Dependent symbol name(s): Enter a name list

The name you specify must include all the xref file name characters, including the vertical bar symbol (|), also known as the pipe character.

The dependent symbols you specify are added to your drawing. You can manipulate them as you would any other named object. AutoCAD LT replaces the vertical bar symbol (|) from each dependent symbol name with three new characters: a number (usually 0) between two dollar signs ($).

If you specify a layer whose associated linetype isn't CONTINUOUS, AutoCAD LT also binds the referenced linetype. If you apply XBIND to a block, any block, dimension style, layer, linetype, or text style that's referenced by objects in the block is also bound. If the block contains a reference to an xref (external reference), AutoCAD LT binds that xref and all its dependent symbols.

Related Commands: XREF controls xrefs (external references).