Is there a way to lock a drawing file?

[CabbagePalm]

I'm using AutoCad 2019.    I'd like to be able to password protect a cad file that is going to be given to someone else outside of my office.  From what I've researched, it looks like Autodesk discontinued this feature after 2014.   Is there any way to do this?  Possibly using a 3rd party?

[imadHabash]

Hi,

>>  I'd like to be able to password protect a cad file that is going to be given to someone else outside of my office.

Since you take this decision to give your CAD dwg's to others then you have to do it without protect issue !! there is Nothing do that ( as much as i know ) believe me this issue was discussed previously many times . protect your self with contracts OR keep your dwg in your office and start make pdf's for others . 

[Patchy]

Password protected only to stop a person from opening it but they can still modify it if you give them the PW.

This is entirely different than making a drawing non-editable, and anyone can edit a .dwg.

[MMcCall402]

At a past firm where I had full control of how things went out I used to place the CAD file(s) in a zip file that was password protected. When the recipient went to open the zip file to extract the contents they were required to read the disclaimer screen and enter the password provided. Entering the password and continuing was deemed as agreeing with the disclaimer.

[CabbagePalm]

That would possibly work as well.   How would I make them non-editable?

[CabbagePalm]

Good idea, however the public entity we are giving these files to will only accept them in .dwg format.  

[Patchy]

As mentioned, you can't; only destroying the properties of your .dwg  by explode everything and move to 1 layer with 1 color. Your partner company probably will never use you again ☺

[LouderCAD]

Read up on the 'minsert' command in help. Make the entire drawing a block. Insert the block using 'minsert' command into a blank drawing. Blocks inserted using 'minsert' command cannot be exploded.

[pendean]

You cannot lock a DWG file from editing for anyone outside of your office and out of your control. Sorry.

But you can do this (which is not the same at all) that will help your legal case/lawyer when you are in court for whatever you are afraid of https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/AutoCA...

Good luck.

[Kent1Cooper]

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@LouderCAD wrote:

Read up on the 'minsert' command in help. Make the entire drawing a block. Insert the block using 'minsert' command into a blank drawing. Blocks inserted using 'minsert' command cannot be exploded.

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Not a solution, really....  In that situation, the Block definition is in the drawing, so all someone with a little understanding of such things needs to do is plain-ol'-Insert another one, which can  be Exploded [either during or after Insertion].

I repeat what @imadHabash said in Message 2:  this has come up here very many times.  A little Searching will reveal all the other notions of how one might do it, and all the reasons that none of them are foolproof.

[LouderCAD]

Here is a variation on the 'minsert' command using an anonymous block. Not perfect but it's something.

https://www.cad-notes.com/protecting-autocad-drawing-anonymous-block/

[pendean]

... @LouderCAD And here are how to get around that tip https://blog.draftsperson.net/anonymous-blocks-in-autocad/
https://sites.google.com/site/cadkits/home/explodeall

[RobDraw]

If the public entity is requiring a .dwg and you send them something that cannot be modified, they might reject your submission. If you can't trust the entity don't send them anything. If they want a.dwg for nefarious reasons, there is nothing you can do to protect whatever it is that you want protected.

[james_moore]

Drawing files have from the start been designed to be modified easily.  The .dwg format does not lend itself to any protection from malicious editing.  If a client insists on getting your .dwg files, they are buying not just your product, they are buying your design.  Business negotiations should consider this when making deals.

The PDF file format has become ubiquitous and is difficult (but not impossible) to modify without even enabling protection mechanisms.  It is acceptable for most customers our company deals with.  We use the DWGTOPDF presets to create files to send out.