External drawing path default setting

[kevin b]

Is there a way to set the default so that the external drawing path is absolute (ie. the checkbox in the save dialog is unchecked) rather than the preset default value of relative.

As most of the external drawings we place are on our server, the prefered method seems to be absolute. When set to relative, with multiple users involved, especially on teamwork files, it seems like the linked files need to be updated more often and we have had some instances where things don't get updated as they should before getting sent out.

[Rick Thompson]

Just select the drawings (or all of the external ones at once), open the settings (button at the bottom of the panel) and switch. Also which to manual update to keep them from always checking. The relative/absolute has nothing to do with the checking, but where it looks. I keep all mine to absolute as I duplicate files all the time to modify them, and if the externally linked files are relative you loose the connection. Set to absolute it keeps the connection. But the checking all the time is due to the updating set to auto... it needs to be manual to lessen the checking, but then you need to make sure you update. Maybe the constant checking is not you issue though.. drives me nuts if the files are external since it bogs things down. I only have the external drawings manual, and keep internal auto.

[kevin b]

Thank you but not quite what I am looking for.

I know how to change them all, but what I want is for the default to be set to absolute so the rest of the users in my office don't have to switch, because even though I've told them what to do, they don't. And we do want them set to auto update the problem is that when they are relative and on the server sometimes ArchiCAD can't find them, hence the problem. If I can get the default to be absolute, then everything is OK and I don't get calls from frantic users wondering why the linked drawing isn't the "right" one when they are plotting 5 minutes before a meeting.

[Rick Thompson]

There is no way to predetermine which way they show up. I actually complained about the during AC11 beta and it was acknowledged that was a "bug", however, it is still the way it is and defaults to relative/auto for any externally placed drawings. I'm still complaining about it as I am constantly having to fuss it it. Maybe that will change in AC12, I hope so. I am still complaining about it. Maybe you could post a wish as such so it is not just me. It is really a pain to deal with constantly. Something need to be added to the Working Environment panel to handle this.

[kevin b]

You would think it would be an easy fix, the option is there in the place drawing dialog box (see attached), if you remember to uncheck the box no problem. The problem is most people overlook the box and forget to uncheck when they are doing the placing.

I'm no programmer but it should be an easy fix, since the checkbox is there, to make the checkbox be unselected as the default.

And there are other dialog boxes (like the open dialog where the checkbox is to launch a new instance of ArchiCAD), where the unchecked state is the default. Someone in programming made the seemingly arbitrary decision of which is the better default state. I disagree in both these cases, it seems other do to so changing it should be an option, and an easy one at that to fix.

[kevin b]

The open dialog default, for the record

[Rick Thompson]

Funny, I have never seen that box! I always placed my external drawings from navigator by just going to the linked file and dragging the drawing to the work sheet, and there is no choice that way. That doesn't solve the auto/manual issue I have. After I said what I did above, I realized (I think) it was AC10 beta when I got a bug point for this issue, so maybe that was their solution:)

[kevin b]

You're right though, it should be an option from Navigator too. Drawing management is one of the most common, last minute things I run into with other users in the office, and while they are usually easy to fix, it would be nicer if there were better controls to safeguard against the issue coming up to begin with.

[Link]

AFAIK, this cannot be set as the default or by alt-clicking an existing drawing.

The only method I know to set it before placing it is:

1. Go to a layout,
2. Select the Drawing tool,
3. Click on the layout,
4. The 'Place Drawing' dialog appears, where you can select "an external source",
5. Then press the "Browse" button and the "Link To" dialog appears,
6. On the "Link To" dialog you can find the "Store Path as Relative to Project". This is where you can check it or uncheck it.

Unfortunately this won't work for subsequent drawings, and AFAIK external drawings will always come in as absolute, so you'll need to repeat this procedure every time you want a Relative drawing.

You may also find this helpful.

Cheers,
Link.