Hyperlink to another DWG minimizes Window.

[cbenner]

I've seen several posts over the years similar to this, but haven't really found any answers.

I'm messing with cross drawing hyperlinks for the first time.  I like the way they work, but when you ctrl-click to use one, as soon as the linked drawing opens the AutoCAD window minimizes.  I'm posting a screencast of this.

Any ideas why this happens or how to stop it from happening?

[john.vellek]

Hi @cbenner,

I am curious about the error message you are seeing.

It appears that you have some stuff either loading from our Startup Suite or from a Lisp routine. and that it needs some information.

Try logging in as a new user (no customization or migration) and see if this behavior goes away.

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

[cbenner]

@john.vellek

John,  what you are seeing is my own customization.  This is a popup to remind users that they need to run a specific utility before they start a dropping lines into a new P&ID.  Should not have anything to do with this hyperlink behavior.

[JTBWorld]

I can reproduce this unexpected behavior when you start with having AutoCAD maximized, then AutoCAD gets restored down like if you had clicked on the restore down button next to X at top right. Sure is a bug. Workaround is to resize AutoCAD to the full screen but not have it maximized.

[cbenner]

Seems like it has always been a bug.

I'll pass it on up the ladder and see if there is anyone with Autodesk willing to admit this and get it fixed.  

[john.vellek]

Hi @cbenner,

I am about to log this for QA to examine.  The video shows the behavior in 2017 so I have verified that this occurs in AutoCAD 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

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

[cbenner]

@john.vellek

I am still using 2017, I cannot speak to the new releases.  I'm a few weeks off from upgrading.

[JTBWorld]

I could reproduce it i and AutoCAD 2019 using these steps. Draw a circle, add hyperlink to it to another drawing, make sure AutoCAD is maximized, follow the hyperlink.

[JTBWorld]

I've reproduced this is AutoCAD 2019. Just add a hyperlink to another drawing on any object and try it in maximized window mode.

Update: This is a duplicate message due to the long delay when replying via email. I thought it didn't work so I replied online too.

[charles.lauricello]

Did anyone ever solve this?  Its annoying!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Has it been solved?  Like to know as well.

[pendean]

Start a Support Ticket at your account login https://knowledge.autodesk.com/contact-support

[DJGinAZ]

I'm still getting this behavior on 2023. Bummer. It was "intentional" behavior in 2016. 

Clicking on an entity with a hyperlink minimizes AutoCAD. 

[JBerns]

Is this a Windows bug or an AutoCAD bug?

[CGBenner]

@JBerns 

Hi Jerry... I had forgotten all about this one since I don't do anything in AutoCAD anymore.  From what I could see it was an AutoCAD related bug.  The Acad team person who initially responded to me is no longer here, so I hope someone else can take up the discussion for you folks who are still dealing with this.

[DJGinAZ]

This bug was similar to the one that would fully minimize ACAD when a Web Link was clicked (Google Maps for example) 

I can confirm that 2025 versions have fixed the bug that minimizes ACAD when following Web links, although I'm not certain if it's the same bug as following a link to another DWG. 

[CodeDing]

If you're into some customization, my Perfect Preview command might be more useful for previewing/accessing hyperlinks.

Hoping to add support for viewing DWG files in the future.

View in this post here:

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/visual-lisp-autolisp-and-general/perfect-preview-hyperlinks-are-under... 

Best,

~DD

[apjones]

This bug appears to still exist in ACAD 2025.  I can duplicate this with or without any customization.  

[pendean]

@apjones https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/visual-lisp-autolisp-and-general/perfect-preview-hyperlinks-are-under... 

[CGBenner]

@JBerns 

Jerry, do you still need help with this?