AutoCAD Map 3D

[#1]

Is there a way to have a .dwg file and make it read only? i want to have my files protected so no one can alter them once i hand them over to consultants to view.

[#2]

Hi,

just via operating system and/or network-administration. So move them to a folder where you can place new files but don't be able to modify them.

- alfred -

[#3]

well i need to email these files to various consultants on a daily basis so when they open these files i want them to be opened as read only.  is that possible?

[#4]

check out "digital signatures" under your help index:

http://docs.autodesk.com/ACD/2010/ENU/AutoCAD%202010%20User%20Documentation/index.html?url=WS1a91938...

[#5]

Hi,

you can't assign a readonly-attribute to DWG-files itself. And even if you would have a readonly flag you would be able to create a new drawing, do a copy&paste from your file to a new file and save this copy with the original filename

If you want to send them data for visualization (also within AutoCAD) but not modifiable (at least not without hardcore-tricks) you can create a DWF-file. That can be visualized, zoomed, paned and referenced (georeferenced) into other AutoCAD-files like XRefs.

- alfred -

[#6 · Accepted solution]

or send them your drawing with all layers locked....

[#7]

@ ALFRED and ThePworth

Unfortunately your methods are easily bypassable.

Even protecting tools like the famous "Deter" have the own antidote.

As a matter of fact, there's NO way to protect a vector drawing, unless you rasterize it.

[#8]

Hi,

>> Unfortunately your methods are easily bypassable.

Within 10sec show me a solution of how to modify a DWF-content

(10sec because there is one tool out in the world that converts DWF to DWG, but not easy to find I think)

- alfred -

[#9]

I agree, costing 75$, but I think it's a good deal.
Anyway, I wonder whether why there's no free DWF2DWG converter in the whole Web, yet...

[#10 · Accepted solution]

Have you looked at this?