Globally change library location?

[Anonymous]

I have just upgraded from 2014 to 2017 and swapped PC at the same time.  Often now when I insert an icon onto a sheet which was originally done in 2014 I have to change my library location.  All that needs changing is a 4 to a 7 but there is no way to type that and I have to manually go through windows explorer to fix this.

Is there a quicker way or a way I can globally apply this?

Thanks.

[rhesusminus]

There is no "global" way to do this, yet (See further down)

If you've set up the WD-ENV file correctly, you should be able to into the project properties, select the four "root nodes", and press the "Default"-button to reset the settings to whatever you want:

A little hint... You CAN substitute the "base path" to the library with a system variable, %SL_DIR%.

So, for folder, specify "%SL_DIR%/IEC4". The diaog WILL give you an error message, but it will also work 🙂

That being said... I'm actually making a "project scanner" for my AcadE toolbox at the moment... Screenshot:

have a look in this thread for other tools I'm working on: http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-electrical-forum/automatic-masking-of-footprints-and-balloons/...

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your reply, but I'm afraid all of that was way over my head.  What is the WD-ENV file?  Will this apply to all projects or just one project?

It's stuff like this that really winds me up with AutoCAD.  I cannot believe they have not thought about how to make something like this easier for the user.

[rhesusminus]

This is the WD.ENV file. It controls the AutoCAD Electrical program:

You can open it with notepad to edit it. This file can also be shared on the network so that multiple users get the same settings.

Stan Wile have written a good blog post on the file: http://myacade.blogspot.no/2013/02/breaking-wdenv-file-down-line-by-line.html

[Anonymous]

Thanks again for your reply.  I'll have a read of that and see what I can work out when I get a chance.  Do Autodesk read these forums?  I can't be bothered to raise a ticket but it would be good to show them this thread and ask their opinion on whether a user should have to go through all this just because they updated their software.

[TRLitsey]

Hi There Paul,

Yes, Autodesk folk do read these forms.  It sounds like you have a good idea.  The thread below is to the main page to select an Ideas Form.  AutoCAD Elec is one of the forms.  You can submit your idea there.  It will be seen by the moderators and if it sounds reasonable it will be posted up for other users to vote on it.  The more votes the more attention your idea will probably get.

Good luck

Main: 

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/custom/page/page-id/Ideas-Page

Electrical form:

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-electrical-ideas/idb-p/37/tab/most-recent

[rhesusminus]

Yes, they read every now and then, but these forums are basically driven by users.

I know there are a lot of shortcomings when it comes to AcadE. That's why I'm working on my AcadE Toolbox for the app-store...

The project scanner app is currently being developed, as you see in the screenshot in my first answer.

It will scan through a folder (and subfolders) to locate WDP-files.

Then, it will scan the WDP.file for library folders specified.

• If you decide to "keep existing folder":
  If a folder don't exist (like when you've updated and removed the old version of AcadE), it will be "intelligently replaced" with the folders specified in the settings for the app (See screenshot)..
  Then, the remainder of the folders form the settings will be added, if missing.
• If you decide NOT to keep existing folder:
  All folders will be overwritten by the settings for the app.

If you have any inputs, ideas on how to make this app as easy to use as possible, please let me know via a PM!

[Anonymous]

I have just discovered that if you keep clicking on the path to the library it will then allow you to manually type in the box.  Not user friendly in the slightest but does crudely do the job.