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Xref QC

One read-only command audits the drawing's whole reference web: xref definitions from the block table and host graph plus every Civil 3D data reference, flagging missing refs, saved-path drift, absolute paths, attach-vs-overlay, orphans, unloaded refs, and broken DREFs frozen at their last sync.

Command VDCXREFQC · VDC QC tab › Drawing QC panel
One read-only command audits the drawing's whole reference web: xref definitions from the block table and host graph plus every Civil 3D data reference, flagging missing refs, saved-path drift, absolute paths, attach-vs-overlay, orphans, unloaded refs, and broken DREFs frozen at their last sync.
Walks the block table + xref graph + every DREF; each edge audited, host at the hub. HOST DWG reference web SURVEY.dwg overlay · saved path OK UTIL-BASE.dwg MISSING, unresolved C:\Old\SITE.dwg absolute path, breaks on move EXIST.dwg attached, nests downstream GRADE.dwg path drift, via search path DREF: EG surface BROKEN, frozen at last sync DREF: Main St align valid, INFO inventory DETAIL.dwg orphan, no insert, detach
Host / valid DREF (INFO)   Clean overlay ref   ERROR, missing xref / broken DREF   WARNING, path / absolute / orphan   Attached (overlay standard)

What it does

  • Xref graph: walks the block table + host xref graph; nested refs arriving through another xref are noted INFO, not attached here.
  • Path drift: flags a ref resolved via the search path instead of its saved path, displays here, fails on the next machine.
  • Hygiene: absolute saved paths, attach-vs-overlay, unloaded refs, and orphaned definitions (no insert).
  • Data references: audits every DREF'd alignment, surface, gravity + pressure network; a broken DREF stays frozen at its last-synced state.
  • Read-only: reports and zooms; repathing / detaching / repair stays in your hands.

Settings & outputs

  • Always on: missing / unresolved xrefs, saved-path drift, broken DREFs, the ERRORs.
  • Toggles (persist): absolute paths, attach mode, unloaded, orphans, each ticks individually.
  • Settings at %APPDATA%\VDC\XrefQc\settings.json (env override VDC_XREFQC_SETTINGS).
  • Outputs: findings palette (double-click zooms to the xref insert / referenced object) + CSV in the drawing's VDC Reports folder with the INFO inventory.
  • Run it when opening a project you didn't set up, after a move/copy, or before packaging for another office.

Dialog

Xref QC dialog
Xref QC, VDCXREFQC

When to use it

  • Opening a project you didn't set up, or after a project moves/copies folders.
  • Before packaging drawings for another office - the audit is the receiving CAD manager's checklist.
  • When a design 'stopped updating' - the broken-DREF check finds the frozen reference.

How to run it

  1. Run VDCXREFQC; toggle the hygiene checks (absolute paths, attach mode, unloaded, orphans) and the data-reference check; click OK.
  2. The tool walks the block table + host xref graph and every DREF'd alignment / surface / gravity + pressure network.
  3. Work the palette top-down (missing xrefs and broken DREFs are the ERRORs); the CSV in the drawing's VDC Reports folder includes the INFO inventory of nested refs and valid DREFs.

Options

  • Always checked: missing / unresolved xrefs, saved-path vs found-at drift, broken data references.
  • Absolute paths / attach mode / unloaded / orphans: hygiene checks - each toggles individually and persists.

Watch out for

  • Path drift means the xref resolved via the SEARCH PATH, not its saved path - it displays fine on this machine and fails on the next; repath it now.
  • Attach-vs-overlay is opinionated (overlay is the project standard) - a firm that deliberately attaches should untick that box once.
  • A broken data reference stays frozen at its last-synced state - repair it from the data-shortcuts tree, don't keep designing against it.

Related: Drawing Locks · QC Status · Sheet Index