DATA MANAGEMENT

• External References 
• eTransmit 
• PDF Import 
• Sheet Set Manager

1. External References

Insert any drawing file as an external reference (Xref), and changes made in the referenced drawing are reflected automatically in the current drawing when opened or reloaded.

Open the External References palette by using the XREF command and select the DWG icon to attach files. Attached Xrefs are linked to, but not actually inserted in, another drawing – which avoids increasing the file size.

When you attach an Xref, the default path type is set to Relative to avoid broken Xrefs in the future. If you have relative references in the current drawing and save it to a different location, AutoCAD will prompt you to update the relative paths.

BONUS #1: To find an external reference in a complex drawing, select an item in the External References palette to highlight all visible instances in the drawing. Conversely, select an external reference in the drawing to highlight its name in the External References palette.

BONUS #2: Easily edit an Xref by selecting it, then Right-click and select either Open Xref or Edit Xref in-Place.

2. eTransmit 

When sharing DWG files containing Xrefs with others, package and deliver groups of drawings and related files using eTransmit. This prevents broken links and other errors when someone else opens your files.

 

Xref links will be broken when you share the file with someone else, since they do not have your referenced files.

To create a transmittal package in a folder, click Application Menu > Publish > eTransmit or use the ETRANSMIT command. The Create Transmittal dialog box is displayed with options.

When you select a set of drawing files in a transmittal package, it automatically includes all related dependent files such as Xrefs and font files. 

3. PDF Import 

Import geometry, fills, raster images, and TrueType text from a PDF file into your current drawing using PDF Import.

PDF files are the most common file format used when exchanging design information between designers, contractors, clients, and others. Use the PDFIMPORT command to import geometry from a PDF page into the current drawing as AutoCAD objects. You can also access PDF Import in the Insert tab of the Ribbon, then click on Import Panel > PDF Import. After selecting a PDF file, use the Import PDF dialog box to customize your import.

BONUS: If your PDF contains AutoCAD .shx fonts, use the Recognize SHX Text tool to convert them into single line Mtext objects. You can find it in the Import panel of the Insert tab.

4. Sheet Set Manager 

Keep your team on track by using the power of AutoCAD’s Sheet Set Manager. Organize and maintain your drawing layouts, file paths, and project data from one place, accessible by your entire team.

Sheet Set Manager not only functions as a file management system for your layout sheets, but it also manages saved views in both layouts and Model Space. You can easily publish part or all of the entire set, along with defining and updating title block and callout information using Fields. Getting started is easy with the Sheet Set Wizard found in the New section of the Application Menu.

BONUS: CAD Managers and others can significantly cut down the time it takes for post-project file delivery by using eTransmit directly from the Sheet Set Manager.