Is it possible to map Xref file path to a folder to share with Windows users?

[Anonymous]

I am trying to map a file path in AutoCAD for Mac so that drawings could be shared with users of the Windows version without losing Xrefs. I found this in the knowledge network describing how to map paths for Xrefs located on a Windows server:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-for-mac/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2018/E...

 Is it only possible to map to a server? What if the files are shared via Dropbox, not a server?

[maxim_k]

Hi Yumiko,

Yes, you can map Xref path in AutoCAD for Mac, so if Xref was added on Windows side you will be able to load Xref on Mac and Windows users will be able to see that Xref too. But there is no such tool (Xref mapping) in AutoCAD for Windows, so if you will add Xref on Mac side, Windows users will not be able to see such Xref in AutoCAD for Windows without editing Xref path.
In short - in order to be able to successfully collaborate with Windows users Xref should be added first time on Windows side, then mapped with XREFPATHMAP on Mac.

About Dropbox: do you mean local Dropbox folder? Or Dropbox folder on network drive? Please provide more details.

[Anonymous]

Local Dropbox folder.

Thank you for your help.

[maxim_k]

Hi Yumiko,

Xref mapping feature in AutoCAD for Mac designed to work with server paths, but local Dropbox folder is a local folder on your Mac. So you cannot use XREFPATHMAP to map path to Dropbox folder on Mac.

[ChrisPreece]

Hi @Anonymous,

Welcome to the Autodesk Community, and thank you for posting your question here in the AutoCAD for Mac forum.

I'm just checking in to see if you need more help with this. Did the information that @maxim_k provided answer your question?

If so, please click Accept as Solution on the posts that helped you so others in the community can find them easily.

[federico_zanon]

Hello! I have just bought a Macbook pro and i can't access my xref paths. They are all stored in my google drive under a windows path. Can anybody help me with XREFPATHMAP? I tried to load both mapping address but no success...

Thanks!

[maxim_k]

Hi @federico_zanon ,

Assuming that you have Google Drive folder on both PC and Mac and you attach External Reference from this Google Drive folder on PC (Windows), you cannot use XREFPATHMAP (mapping the server path between Windows and Mac feature) in this case.

You can use XREFPATHMAP only if you have access to the same network drive on PC and on Mac.

For example:

- you have network drive on PC mapped as Y: drive and you attached drawing from the "_TMP" folder on that Y: drive, the saved path of the Xref on Windows side is Y:\_TMP\Drawing1.dwg

- you have the same network drive on Mac connected as "/Volumes/Public"

in this case you cam map "Y:" to "/Volumes/Public" in the Server Path Mapping window:

2023-05-01_09-30-02.png

And Xref on Mac side will be resolved automatically.

For Google Drive as a local folder you need to resolve Xref manually with the External References palette.

[federico_zanon]

Thanks Maxim!
Yes, i do have mapped my drive on pc as Z:\....the problem is that i don't know how to fill or load the "server path mapping" dialog box. The dialog box appears perfectly but when i fill the row the " ok" button is still grey, never activates. I hope you understand me...thanks!

[maxim_k]

Hi Federico,

You open Server Path Mapping dialog with XREFPATHMAP command. Pick on "+" button to create mapping.

2023-05-02_07-14-37.png

In order to be able to map drives, you need to have a server folder already connected on your Mac, in my case it is Public folder on my NAS.

You select this server address in the New Server Path Mapping window:

2023-05-02_07-15-14.png

 Now you need to fill out server path from PC in New Server Path Mapping window:

2023-05-02_07-15-49.png

 When you pick OK, you should see this new mapping in the main dialog:

2023-05-02_07-16-07.png