Automatic Block/Tool Palette Updates

[jim3thornton]

We have created a centralized Tool Palette for the entire team to use.

Currently we are exporting our changes from the local computer and saving over the central tool palette when an update occurs.  Then we are telling the other team members to import the new .xtb file.

We are listing the issue date for the tool palette at the  top of the tool palette so we know all members are using the most up to date tool palette.

Is it possible for the tool palette to update itself at start up?  Or is there an update bubble like with xrefs?

[ennujozlagam]

@jim3thornton  hello, i think there is no other way. you need to reload it again. thanks

[john.vellek]

Hi @jim3thornton,

In my past, I set up a shared tool palette on my network and in my user workstations I configured that to be their default tool palette location. Their normal (default) tool palette location path would remain but would be listed below the network one.

I would update the palette on the network from time to time and I don't recall ever having to update anything on the user side.

I have no way to mimic this configuration at present but you might want to try it to see if it behaves properly in this fashion for you.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[jim3thornton]

John,

I have created a folder for shared tool palettes on the network and have added the path to the Tool Palettes File Locations just as you have shown.

I have seen no sign of an update at this time.

Jim

[john.vellek]

Hi @jim3thornton,

Do you see the network palette in the user workstation? Or just the local ones?

[jim3thornton]

What is the difference between network palette in the user workstation verse local one?

I created the network palettes by initially creating a tool palette locally and then exporting it to a network location.

Then I imported it back into the local tool palette.

each time I have made an update I have exported to the same location, saving over the previous tool palette.

I have instructed other team members to import the tool palettes for the same location.

[john.vellek]

Hi Jim - I am so sorry that I can't provide much assistance on this since I am basically working on a standalone computer.

If I recall correctly, I NEVER did an export or import. I merely set my path to the network location and created the palettes there.

[jim3thornton]

were you working on AutoCAD or AutoCAD Architecture at the time?

I read online that with AutoCAD Architecture a tool palette can be refreshed, but I haven't been successful working with AutoCAD yet.

[pendean]

AutoCAD Architecture (and MEP) features you speak of:
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-architecture/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2...
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-architecture/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2...
http://rcd.typepad.com/rcd/2009/09/update-all-autocad-architecturemep-palettes-in-a-click.html

I don't see any of that in plain AutoCAD.

Oops, forgot to add this tip...

Toolpalettes in a network environment for multiple users:
Copy your tool palette .atc files to a read only network directory. On the user machines under Tools>Options>Files>Tool Palette File Locations add the network file location. If you have an enterprise cui you can deploy a macro to load/switch palettes: ^C^C*_TOOLPALETTEPATH "H:/engineering/acad/toolpalettes/USJ/";TP; You can also load multiple palette groups/locations by adding paths: ^C^C*_TOOLPALETTEPATH "H:/engineering/acad/toolpalettes/USJ/,H:/engineering/acad/toolpalettes/LPD/";TP;

[john.vellek]

HI @jim3thornton.

I was doing all of this in plain AutoCAD. I have not found any documentation for doing it this way but my users neither had the diligence or the interest in learning how to import palettes so I had to find another way.

Sometimes there would be a burp. New palette items typically showed up on the bottom of the palette regardless of how they were built.

[jim3thornton]

I have yet to see a method where the tool palettes are automatically updated ... Maybe this is an added feature for having upgraded to Autocad Architecture... I do see on the AutoCAD Architecture platform that there is a centralized storage/distribution method through Content Browser, but this feature is not offered with AutoCAD.

At this point we may need to monitor / sync our tool palettes manually.

If anything changes I will post it.

[s.proch]

Any updates?

I think there is no function to automatically update tool palettes in out of the box AutoCAD. You would have to introduce some kind of script or macro as described above by @pendean