When working in a Drawing Sheet, the composition typically includes text and dimensions drawn directly in the sheet, alongside referenced model content. A common scenario is placing several detailed references, then adding text and dimensions that point to elements within those references.
However, if the layout needs to be adjusted, this creates a problem:
Moving the text and dimensions does not move the attached reference.
Moving the reference via the Reference Manager leaves the text and dimensions behind.
This makes sheet adjustments inefficient, as both must be repositioned separately.
Suggested Enhancement:
Introduce an option within the Move Element command — for example, a checkbox labelled “Include Attached Reference(s)” — that allows selected references and any associated text/dimensions to move together as a single group.
Benefit:
This would significantly reduce drafting time when adjusting the presentation and layout of Drawing Sheets, making sheet layout management more efficient and less error-prone.
Hi
Within the Reference dialog there is an option to set the reference file to 'Treat Element as Element Manipulation'.' if you check this and select the live elements plus the reference files elements, the Move tool etc. will pick up both the live and reference data, allowing you to move both at the same time. see video
HTH
Ian
Hello,
I would like to provide an update regarding my previous post. I have learned that Reference Manager includes a tool for this function, accessible via the “Treat Attachment as Element for Manipulation” tick option.
However, this feature is not easily discoverable, which limits its usability for many users.
Proposal:
To improve accessibility, I suggest enhancing the Move command to include a greyed-out (inactive by default) option labelled “Treat Attachment as Element for Manipulation.” When the user selects drawn elements—using the Element Selection tool—in either Sheet space or Model space, and these selections include elements from attached Model References, this option should then become active and available for selection. Once enabled, the user could move both the selected elements and the attached Model Reference simultaneously. If deselected, the option within the Move command would return to its greyed-out state.
Improving the visibility and functionality of this tool would enhance user experience and promote greater use. Importantly, the Element Selection tool should recognise that elements from references are part of the selection set.