%SL_DIR% has default path despite being set in wd.env

[Yevgen.Stakhovskyy]

%SL_DIR% alias is used in wdp file to specify default library path defined in wd.env.

In wd.env:

SETQ:GBL_WD_BASELIBS,C:\Users\Libs, Library location

In wdp:

+[1]%SL_DIR%/jic1;%SL_DIR%/jic1/1-;%SL_DIR%/pneu_iso125;%SL_DIR%/pid;%SL_DIR%/hyd_iso125/;

When I open Autocad, I expect to see in Project properties the following paths:

C:\Users\Libs\jic1

.....

Instead I see:

C:/Users/Public/Documents/Autodesk/Acade 2021/Libs/jic1

....

If I open wdp file and save it, the path becomes as expected.

What's the issue here? Thank you

[ramesh.kambang]

Once you define the SETQ:GBL_WD_BASELIBS, in the project properties you need to click default (see marked in RED). When you open the project acade remembers the the path. 

[Yevgen.Stakhovskyy]

Thank you for your reply

It's good as work around for a single autocad session, but when you close/open it you have to default again.

I want it so the GBL_WD_BASELIBS variable to be initialized during Autocad E start.

Then, to my understanding, the %SL_DIR% alias would have the same value, and Project Settings paths would be identified when you open the project.

[ramesh.kambang]

You need to click only  once (to apply GBL_WD_BASELIBS variable settings you have set in wd.env) followed by clicking OK button before exist the project properties. Once this is done, acade saves these settings in .wdp file. When you reopen that .wdp file, all directories will be there, not required to click default button again. 

GBL_WD_BASELIBS is really hand tool. I have more than 15 acade clients, their symbols and settings are different and they are saved in my separate drive. When I pick a client's work, I just remove * from the GBL_WD_BASELIBS to deploy a client specific symbols, icon menu etc.  Saves time, really clean way to apply the global BASELIBS. 

[ramesh.kambang]

Ref. your comments "I want it so the GBL_WD_BASELIBS variable to be initialized during Autocad E start" - depending on how the projected file .dwp is created, for example, a project file is crated by using a project template which is pointing to the default directories to the C drive. Project settings for newly created project file retain all inherited directories for Schematic symbol libraries, icon menu, panel libraries, panel icon menu etc. These directories in a project file settings wont be changes unless you tell acade to change it. But once you change it, they will be there until next instruction. This is actually fail safe mode, otherwise 10 users may have different settings and when they open that project file, all project settings will be changed w/o knowing. 

As I am using GBL_WD_BASELIBS daily basis, what I have done is I renamed default Libs folder to Libs_old in the directory C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Acade 2018\Libs_old, (all libs, iconmenu, support files are moved to a separate folder). This way acade is forced not to use default symbols from C drive. 

Accidental acade uninstallation removes acade files only from C drive but not from other drives. 

[Yevgen.Stakhovskyy]

I greatly appreciate your reply

For some reason, it didn't stay for me after Autocad restart even if save and close. The Project Settings paths are not shown as updated in the settings window. Even though, in fact the alias is applied. I don't know, it looks like an autocad glitch. For this reason, I decided to abandon this approach with aliasing, it's already too much time spent on it.

Though your information is really handy, potentially for future development.

Thank you

[ramesh.kambang]

Just out of interest, how do you close Project Properties after clicking Default, do click OK to exit? Make sure click OK to close the Project Properties not X on the top right corner. 

[ramesh.kambang · Accepted solution]

After clicking Default followed by clicking OK to close, right click in the project properties and select Settings. In the setting lower window (for Insert Schematic Component - block path reference), you will see all the directories of all libraries. These paths wont be changed unless you change them. 

Next step I normally rename default Libs to Libs_old (or to somethings else). This is normally in the C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Acade 2021\. After this, you may need to click default again. 

[Yevgen.Stakhovskyy]

Thank you Ramesh!

With your last post you actually solved the issue.

What was happening is:

Autocad on start-up looked for the Libs folder and because there was such a folder in the default location defined in Support File Search Path C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Acade 2021\, it changed the project settings paths in wdp file to the default ones. I didn't realise that it could happen, though I saw it in my previous experience in the past.

Once I change the default name Libs to Libs_old (or whatever), Autocad couldn't find it and threfore is not changing the paths in wdp.

[ramesh.kambang]

Good news! that worked for you. I guess I mentioned to rename it to old in my previous post (Friday). 

[Yevgen.Stakhovskyy]

Another thing that's left unclear for me is:

When you looking for applied project paths, what's different between looking at Project Properties/Project Settings/Library and Icon Menu Paths window and looking at Project Current Settings / lower window? Why would you need two places? Previously I always used the properties window for reference.

And how about the top window in the settings?

Thank you in advance!

[Yevgen.Stakhovskyy]

You did! I just didn't pay attention to this small but critical detail. Thanks

[dougmcalexander]

Just a note regarding the location of %SL_DIR%.  This is a shortcut to the location of the Libs folder when you install the software.  You can move this folder and modify the path through the Support File Search Path in AutoCAD Properties.  Then, when you use the shortcut, it will point to your preferred path for the Libs folder.  Note that you only need to do this if you wish to use the %SL_DIR% shortcut in the default library path statement in the wd.env (environment) file.  I recommend just browsing to the Libs folder, wherever you moved it to, and copy this path into the wd.env file.  If you placed the Libs folder on your network under drive X, just Browse to X:\Libs.  I usually place it in a folder named AeData on my network drive (i.e. X:\AeData\Libs).  This is covered on the Tips/Tricks page of my web site, www.ecadconsultant.com.  Look for the topic related to Sharing AutoCAD Electrical over a network.