Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting Practice Exam

What type of reference paths should be used to ensure that an xref remains linked when transferring project files?

1. Absolute paths for all references

2. Relative paths to accommodate different drivers

3. Network paths that specify the server address

4. Static paths for each project location

The correct answer is: Relative paths to accommodate different drivers

Using relative paths to link xrefs (external references) is the most effective choice for ensuring that these references remain intact when transferring project files. This option allows for flexibility in the file structure, which is particularly important for collaborative projects where files may be moved between different systems or shared among team members. Relative paths are based on the location of the drawing file and provide a way to specify the reference's location relative to the directory of the host drawing. This means that as long as the folder structure remains consistent, the xrefs will still be found regardless of the parent location, making it easier to manage and share files without losing references. In contrast, absolute paths are fixed and specify the complete address of a file on a specific drive, which can cause problems if the project files are moved to another computer or server that has a different drive setup. Network paths that specify server addresses can be complicated and may not function properly if the project is moved or the server becomes unavailable. Static paths can also create issues if the project directory changes, as they are rigid and do not adapt to the context of different work environments. Therefore, using relative paths is the most efficient approach for maintaining the integrity of xrefs across different project setups.