Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting Practice Exam

Which method allows a CAD designer to combine content from an attached xref while keeping the xref's layers distinct?

1. Attach the xref

2. Bind the xref using the Bind option

3. Append the xref

4. Overlay the xref

The correct answer is: Bind the xref using the Bind option

The method that allows a CAD designer to combine content from an attached external reference (xref) while keeping the xref's layers distinct is to bind the xref using the Bind option. When an xref is bound, it becomes part of the current drawing and allows the designer to access all the layers of the xref. However, unlike an append operation, which merges xrefs into a single layer structure, binding retains the organizational structure of the layers from the xref. This means that the layers in the xref remain separate and distinct in the current drawing, which is crucial for maintaining clarity and flexibility in design modifications. Using the Bind option is particularly beneficial when you want to integrate external components into your drawing but still keep a modular approach to layer management. This aids in avoiding potential clutter and confusion that can occur when multiple layers get merged together.