topic Re: How best to manage Libraries when sharing PLNs? in Libraries & objects

How best to manage Libraries when sharing PLNs?

rob2218 — Wed, 24 May 2023 10:30:06 GMT

So..here's the scenario:
I have an architect with whom I enjoy very much collaborating with.
He currently is not on the TW setup nor BIM Server setup so we share PLNs back and forth.

Only hang up is he's on a MAC and I'm on Windows. No biggy, except for when there are "Libraries" involved. there are certain "custom cabinet objects" which we have been using very well. the cabinet objects were given to us by this wonderful guru here on the forum.

So..when I get his PLNs back, I have to reload (point my PLN file) to where those custom objects are so they can remove the "blue dot of death" and the architect must do the same thing when I send him back my updated PLN file.

what's the best way to either:
a) create a library folder where the path names are the same (which he's on a MAC and I'm on a PC so I'm not sure that's even possible).
or b) somehow have that library and/or object embedded in the file?
How do I accomplish making sure that whether he or I work on the file....the libraries read where they need to go to?

Re: How best to manage Libraries when sharing PLNs?

SenecaDesignLLC — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 21:02:51 GMT

Assuming the mac can create folder links, If you look up how to create a dummy drive on windows using mklink in the dos window then you can both create a file path that is the same but really its just a pretend drive created and linked to where you actually have the library.

I have never done it with a mac, but i do it now because of my old works server. works great for me. Might be the solution

Re: How best to manage Libraries when sharing PLNs?

rob2218 — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 23:49:14 GMT

So, I'd have to go thru a DOS type command to link a fake drive to a library folder? How the heck do I do that?

Re: How best to manage Libraries when sharing PLNs?

SenecaDesignLLC — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 03:30:11 GMT

rob2218 wrote:
So, I'd have to go thru a DOS type command to link a fake drive to a library folder? How the heck do I do that?

I can link you a guide, but first make sure he knows how on his mac, I have no knowledge there.... Unless we mimick his drive location only then only you need a fake drive

Re: How best to manage Libraries when sharing PLNs?

rob2218 — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 03:34:55 GMT

humm...ok. let me see if he knows how to do that on his MAC.
I'm not sure he does...but I'll ask.

thanks,

Re: How best to manage Libraries when sharing PLNs?

Barry Kelly — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 04:19:21 GMT

Rob,
The answer to your problem is to embed the objects.
If they are single objects (and do not call macros) you can add them individually with the library manager and they will become part of your embedded library.
This does not work for a complete folder of objects.

If there are many objects and they do call macros then what you can do is to load the cabinet library yourself.
Place one instance of each object in a plan.
Then in the library manager you can select the cabinet library and there will be a button that allows you to "embed placed objects of selected libraries".

I am not sure if this will embed all of the macros or just those used by the settings of your placed objects.

Barry.

Re: How best to manage Libraries when sharing PLNs?

Richard Morrison — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 15:15:32 GMT

Just put the custom library in a Dropbox folder and add this library locally (with Library Manager) on both computers. I have my office standard library on Dropbox, and if I add an object on either my home or my office computer, it will show up on the other one. Pretty slick!