AutoCAD Electrical 2026 – Cross Referencing Footprints to Schematics

by Miles Nicholson

AutoCAD Electrical does not natively include a feature to display cross-reference information on a footprint linked to a schematic component. While the AutoCAD Electrical Surfer command allows bi-directional navigation between a schematic component and its associated footprint, it does not display the cross-reference details. However, the ARKANCE UK AutoCAD Electrical Localiser introduces a new command, Footprint Cross Reference, to enable this functionality. The ARKANCE UK AutoCAD Electrical Localiser is an add-on developed to enhance the functionality of AutoCAD Electrical, providing tools and features designed to improve productivity, streamline workflows, and bridge some of the gaps in the standard AutoCAD Electrical software.

The command annotates the schematic parent cross-reference information on to the panel footprint. This requires the panel footprint to have a XREF (cross-reference) attribute within the block. The blocks used to add intelligence to footprints, whether new or existing, include, as standard, an XREF attribute if the ARKANCE UK Localiser has been installed.

Select Electrical + ribbon > Panels pane >  Footprint Cross Reference

Select single or multiple components and terminals

Cross reference information will be displayed on each selected footprint, containing an XREF attribute, of where its associated parent schematic symbol is located.