Error Message 'Drawing File Is Not Valid' When Opening Local/HD Dropbox File

[eric]

I'm installing AutoCAD LT Mac 2024 on a second (new) MacBook Pro which also has my Dropbox synced to the local hard drive. It is a fresh install on this new machine with existing license. When I use File > Open (in AutoCAD LT) and navigate to the local Dropbox .dwg file and click 'Open,' I get the error message 'Drawing file is not valid.' BUT, if I navigate to the same file in my MacOS Finder and double-click on it, it opens as normal. It's incredibly frustrating and makes LT almost unusable. A few notes:

1. I used the same exact setup on my old MacBook Pro for years through AutoCAD LT Mac versions 2020 thru 2024. (It's just this new install that I'm having problems with on the new MacBook Pro.
2. I can open the same .dwg files in a different directory if copied (Desktop, from a flash drive, etc.) with File > Open as expected.
3. If I open the file through the Finder (as described above) and re-open AutoCAD Lt Mac 2024, I can open the file through the recent screen at boot-up.
4. Attached are screenshots showing the errors (1=open via file > open, 2=error message, 3=open same file from finder and double-click, which opens the file as expected)

Any thoughts?

[maxim_k]

Hi @eric ,

Please specify macOS version installed on your new MacBook Pro.

If it is macOS Sonoma, verify that your installed the latest Update to your AutoCAD LT 2024 for Mac.

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

@eric ,

I also noticed in your screenshots that the size of the DWG file you are about to open is 0 (Zero) bytes:

I'm not sure, but I think that is because Dropbox local folder settings. Looks like all documents, including DWG files, are not actually stored locally on your Mac.

But when you open DWG by double-clicking on it in Finder the file is temporarily downloaded to your Mac and then opens in AutoCAD. When you are trying to open it from AutoCAD with OPEN command, this does not happen and the file is not downloaded to your local disk automatically.

[paullimapa]

Perhaps when you installed Dropbox on your new computer to save space locally it defaulted to syncing files online only" (installed using Smart Sync) instead of syncing locally.

You can read more about this here:

https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/View-download-and-export/How-can-I-keep-my-files-local-and-not-onlin...

[eric]

Thanks for your input. Both my old 2017 MBPro and my new 2023 MBPro are running Sonoma v14.2.1.

[eric]

Thanks again! I think you are right and that's what I'm thinking. It seems like the new Dropbox app default is to install in their SmartSync mode which only downloads as needed. Seems like AutoCad LT doesn't like this when you File > Open. I've looked into some options but can't try it until tomorrow after some meetings so as not to disrupt my files in anyway. I'll report back. Thanks!

[eric]

Thank you! I think that is the basic issue. I've search how to turn this feature off but I need to do so later tomorrow just in case since I need file access for work. I'll report back to verify if this was the solution.

[eric · Accepted solution]

So thank you both for your information, @maxim_k  and @paullimapa . You were both correct. Apparently, in more recent version of the Dropbox Mac desktop application, there is a SmartSync feature that installs by default, meaning that my entire Dropbox files where only virtually "downloaded" and not permanently to my hard drive. After fixing the issue with Dropbox, the all .dwg files open in AutoCad LT Mac via File > Open and all xref's appear to be working correction.

For others that stumble across this solution, here's how I solved the issue with Dropbox: (This was not an AutoCad LT Mac issue.)

1. Log into Dropbox via web browser.
2. Navigate/click on Account (avatar) > Settings.
3. School down under the 'Preferences' section to the 'Dropbox system extension' tab, which is (at least for me) set to ON by default.
4. Click to turn this option OFF.
5. Go back to desktop and right click, quit the Dropbox app in the tool bar the menu bar.
6. Launch Dropbox app via double-click (right click, open) from the 'Applications' folder.
7. You may need to sign in again. (I did.)
8. Then a true sync to your local hard drive should begin.

Hope that helps someone! Thanks all!