Detach Xrefs
Use External References
Unload Xrefs
If someone modifies an externally referenced drawing while you are working on the host drawing to which that xref is attached, you can update that xref drawing using the Reload method. When you reload, the selected xref drawing is updated in your host drawing. Also, if you have unloaded an xref, you can choose to reload that externally referenced drawing at any time.
This example attaches an external reference and then reloads the external reference. This example uses the 3D House.dwg file found in the sample directory. If you do not have this image, or if it is located in a different directory, insert a valid path and file name for the PathName variable.
Sub Ch10_ReloadingExternalReference()
On Error GoTo ERRORHANDLER
' Define external reference to be inserted
Dim xrefHome As AcadBlock
Dim xrefInserted As AcadExternalReference
Dim insertionPnt(0 To 2) As Double
Dim PathName As String
insertionPnt(0) = 1
insertionPnt(1) = 1
insertionPnt(2) = 0
PathName = "c:/AutoCAD 2009/sample/3D House.dwg"
' Add the external reference to the block
Set xrefInserted = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _
AttachExternalReference(PathName, "XREF_IMAGE", _
insertionPnt, 1, 1, 1, 0, False)
ZoomAll
MsgBox "The external reference is attached."
' Reload the external reference definition
ThisDrawing.Blocks.Item(xrefInserted.name).Reload
MsgBox "The external reference is reloaded."
Exit Sub
ERRORHANDLER:
MsgBox Err.Description
End Sub