Frequent tipster Danny Korem suggests using the LayFrz command in AutoCAD to freeze layers through a viewport instead of sorting through the Layer Manager.

“Lately I've been dealing with deployment of multi–cross-referenced files and found out that no matter how deep a file is nested within another, the Freeze Layer function in the Layer panel will do the job. I find this method more convenient and straightforward than the tedious task of using the Layer Manager by locating layers within an xref (filter). Of course, you could get so enthusiastic about it that you might err when selecting an object. That's why I recommend selecting small portions at a time. Otherwise, if you make a mistake, you'll need to undo it all and start from square one.”

Notes from Cadalyst Tip Reviewer Brian Benton: I agree. This tip usually works, although sometimes you may run into issues when you have more than one object on top of another one. Another problem might be that a block is not set up correctly with ByLayer or ByBlock, forcing you to use the Layer Manager.