Xref Images are Unreferenced (Using AutoCAD 2025 or F/X CAD 2025)
Issue
When you open AutoCAD or F/X CAD 2025 by double-clicking a drawing file, your Xref images do not load and are listed as unreferenced in the Xref Manager.
You may have found that the images load when this is not the first drawing you open, or when you open the drawing from recent files.
Other Xref Issues:
Did you see an error message referring to the problematic Xrefs? If so, here's what to do.
Are you not using AutoCAD or F/X CAD 2025? If not, here's what to do.
Cause
We've seen this issue result from:
- Incorrect image paths in the Xrefs.
- Drawing corruption.
- A bug with AutoCAD 2025 related to your STARTUP variable. The default variable is 3, but users commonly change their STARTUP variable to prevent CAD from creating Drawing 1 upon opening.
Solution
Type STARTUP in the Command line and press Enter. When prompted to enter a value, type 0 or 3, depending on your preference, then press Enter again.
Here's what each STARTUP value listed above will result in upon startup:
- 0: Open a blank drawing without defined settings.
- 3: Open a new tab with a pre-loaded ribbon.
More information about the STARTUP system variable
Still having the issue?
If your Xrefs are still not loading and are listed as unreferenced after you've set your STARTUP system variable to 0 or 3, confirm that:
- The image paths are correct in the Xref Manager, and
- You've followed our steps to clean your drawing set, including all Xref files
It's always important to confirm your Xref paths and keep your drawings clean, so take care to continue these practices in future drawings.
Still having the issue after verifying your Xref paths and cleaning your drawing?
If so, here's what to do.
Contact
- Land F/X
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