topic Re: Autocad automatically hides linked excel files in AutoCAD Forum

Autocad automatically hides linked excel files

nrussell4CW5T — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 20:19:57 GMT

When i open an autocad drawing file that has a linked excel file in it, it will open the linked excel file as a hidden workbook, so i have to go to view in excel and manually unhide all of them. I make panel schedules in excel and then link them into autocad (paste special), so if i have a cad file with 7 panel schedules, when i open that cad drawing, it opens all 7 excel files as hidden and its very annoying as to why it does this and i have yet to find a solution. This is especially annoying because if a coworker of mine opens the drawing, it will open the excel file as hidden without their knowledge of it being open, so then when i try to open it, it says someone is in it, and its hard to figure out who is in the excel file.

I kinda found a solution but i dont like it. if i open up the cad file that has the excel sheet in it, type OLELINKS command, select the link, and hit open source, it will open the excel link, i can save, close both, then if i re-open the cad file with the link in it, it wont open the excel file as hidden (it wont open it at all). But if i open the cad file, and then go to open the excel file through file explorer (not through OLELINKS), save both, close both, and open the cad file, it will go back to opening the excel file as hidden. Any solutions to this?

Re: Autocad automatically hides linked excel files

pendean — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 20:55:15 GMT

What are you calling / mean by "hidden" please? Just so are all clear on the issue.

OR... explore the highlighted response here

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/excel-file-is-hidden-after-accidentally-clicking/4927ea59-5c0a-4e54-9a32-18c82a6003cb#:~:text=If%20it%27s%20visible,command%20as%20well.

Re: Autocad automatically hides linked excel files

nrussell4CW5T — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 11:31:26 GMT

The workbook opens hidden

Re: Autocad automatically hides linked excel files

pendean — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:26:09 GMT

If this tip does not help @nrussell4CW5T

Then the Excel worksheet was linked to AutoCAD while hidden, you will likely need to unlink it then re-link when it is fully set and tested to be set to "unhide".

Re: Autocad automatically hides linked excel files

nrussell4CW5T — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:41:54 GMT

No, I don't link excel sheets while they are hidden or not open. Deleting and reinserting the link doesn't fix this problem either.

Re: Autocad automatically hides linked excel files

pendean — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:48:23 GMT

Are you able to share both files here?

Is it a "protected" worksheet?

Re: Autocad automatically hides linked excel files

nrussell4CW5T — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:58:24 GMT

No, they dont allow .xlsm files to be shared here.

Re: Autocad automatically hides linked excel files

pendean — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:48:55 GMT

@nrussell4CW5T wrote:
No, they dont allow .xlsm files to be shared here.

Here are ways to open a support case with Autodesk if you are on subscription to seek out Autodesk Support's help:
https://www.autodesk.com/support/account/manage/use/support#:~:text=com/plans.-,Contact%20support,-Select%20a%20path

Re: Autocad automatically hides linked excel files

nrussell4CW5T — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 11:39:38 GMT

The solution was bluebeam was messing it up, if you uncheck this setting it fixes it.