Why Using .Xref Is a Must

Architecture could be so much easier

By Sharing RandomlyPublished 2 years ago • 3 min read

This piece is dedicated to all the designers who have to work with different areas and even companies on the same project. It does sound intense, huh? But it can be really easy if you know some tricks and have some under your sleeve. Here, I share with you a really important one!

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If you have had the opportunity to work in an office, designing or reviewing some blueprints you would know that it's team-based work. But what happens when you even have other companies working with you on a project or just another area in your office? If two people can be tedious, imagine tens of people!

This can create certain complications or even small miscommunications that have to be avoided to have a solid and fluid workflow. A small detail to be able to prevent this is by having a .xref file.

As a designer, the idea from the first moment that came into mind could be totally restructured once it's on the blueprint. And even while the construction is taking place, the project can see some changes, which also have to be indicated on formal prints.

So it doesn’t matter how complicated the design is, everybody has to be on board, and the most important part is that everyone should know about possible changes.

These types of files are mostly seen when you are using AutoCAD. This may seem a little old-fashioned but it’s still used by many. So knowing about these tricks are still useful.

.XREF represents any external references. This is an attachment that you would have to use as a guide in your architectural drawing. You then overlay your design.

With this being said, you also have to understand that you may not be the only one designing and therefore drawing. You can have structural engineers, electricians, interior designers, landscape designers, framers, etc. who can be working on the same project.

In my case, I worked as an architectural designer for a retail store that had many third parties involved in the design. So this feature really helped us to have a better organization. With this file, if there were any changes on the main reference drawing, you would send the actualized .xref to everyone so they could also make some corrections and so on and so forth.

Some benefits of using these types of features are:

Better communication with the general team
Better workflow by increasing your productivity
You have consistency throughout the whole designing process
If you have a change on the design, no matter the size of it, it can be easily captured by everyone way quicker. In the end, this will ultimately help all on the team because they can, later on, make their own modifications
Comparison of files is also a great added benefit

If you didn’t know about this feature I really recommend it and would advise you and your team to start using this type of file. And the best part is that not only architects use this software but also industrial designers, engineers, interior designers, etc.

Have you ever used these types of files? I found it very difficult to convince my other fellow colleagues to start using them since they were already used to working without them.

Just share the wonders of the .xref files. Share the word and this old yet important format! It's useful and it can bring everyone on the same page. You would like to avoid confusion at every cost right? I truly recommend this method of teamwork.

It's a great practice while studying and at work!