Autocad LT Using default file explorer

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone, 

I am not sure why, but Autodesk felt the need to design their own file explorer, and I honestly find it quiet subpar. When browsing for xrefs, publishing, creating etransmits, etc., Autocad opens its own file explorer version that does not have an adress bar or quick access shortcuts. I lose large amounts of time navigating my folders. Is it possible to switch to the default Windows explorer? 

It seems to be a growing trend these days for other softwares too, like Adobe or Office. I just want my standard explorer when opening or importing files, no need to reinvent the wheel!

[pendean]

@Anonymous Please clarify in more detail and add screenshots to your post showing us what you see and are concerned with: nd remind everyone what older version you just switched from too.

I suspect you meant something totally different from the choice of words you opted for, but it's hard to tell.

TIA

[Anonymous]

Yea, I figured it would not be very clear...

See below screenshots. First is the file browser (or file explorer) from Autocad. Second is the default one from Windows, which I would like to use instead.

[pendean]

>>>... from Windows, which I would like to use instead....<<<
So why not just use it if I may ask? Why bother with OPEN command inside AutoCAD that has not changed in many decades and none of us end users can do much about it (And if you never knew, Autodesk does not come into these forums looking for user ideas on how to change the program or interface).

Perhaps you are not aware you can add locations to that left-side panel in AutoCAD as well? Perhaps somewhere in between will work for you if you need to stay within the program for some reason.

HTH

[Anonymous]

Just to clarify, I never use the OPEN function in Autocad. I just open from recents, the file explorer, etc. What I mean is that some functions force you to use it, like the button "Attach DWG" in the xref window, or browsing for a file in the Datalink menu. I do not think there is a way around that, hence why I was enquiring if there was a parameter to use the default Windows explorer.

I know I can use the sidebar for shortcuts, but they are shown as icons, which take too much place. I can easily see and access more than a dozen shortcuts in the Windows quick access list, but in the Autocad file explorer, I would have to scroll down to find the shortcut I want.

It's really minor, and not the end of the world, but it's the kind of stuff that just breaks my workflow and add unnecessary clicks.

Thanks for you help anyway!

EDIT: it's also very practical sometimes to copy paste the directory between folders to reach a file faster. The Autocad broswer does not allow it, unfortunately.

[pendean · Accepted solution]

>>>... I just open from recents...<<<
Correct, any "file" command inside AutoCAD will only access that style of dialog box inside AutoCAD: if you want to only use Windows File Explorer you have to deliberately reach for it only whenever you want to use it OUTSIDE of AutoCAD, or if your LT version is OOTB, type EXPLORER command to open it to access.

[anonymous2k]

I agree with your sentiments about each software using their own "file explorer", which feel very limited and painful to navigate compared to windows file explorer. Adobe is especially painful to me. 

[RSomppi]

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@Anonymous wrote:

EDIT: it's also very practical sometimes to copy paste the directory between folders to reach a file faster. The Autocad broswer does not allow it, unfortunately.

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Oh yeah, it does. I paste file paths from file explorer all the time. 

[anonymous2k]

Well that's something to try.