Lock a Layer in a X-ref

[Desirea]

I am working in a file that someone had started before me. I would like to lock a layer within the xref'd file. My xref is on a layer xref but I don't want to lock that layer. I was hoping there is a way to select an item in the xref and lock only it. Does anyone know of a way for me to do this?

Thanks!

[Ed Jobe]

Yes, there is the built in LAYLCK command, that is on the Home ribbon tab, in the Layers panel. Also, you can find a command by clicking on the big red A in the upper left and typing in the box at the top.

Another way to control it is to open the Layer Properties Manager palette using the LAYER command.

[Opie]

Why is a layer within an XREF needed to be locked? The objects on those layers cannot be modified within the drawing referencing the XREF except through the REFEDIT command.

[Desirea]

i use the lock feature to fade certain layers as a visual aid. It helps me to see design layers better. I didn't realize that I can't do that. Thanks.

[Ed Jobe]

xref fade (XDWGFADECTL variable) is set by default to 50%. It is on the Display tab of OPTIONS. You can also set the transparency of an individual layer in the layer properties palette.

[Desirea]

Thank you! That is what I needed.