Revision Control & File Linking

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I am a regular user of AutoCAD LT, although just slightly above the basic level is all that my work requires. I am currently working with controlling documents and to make our CAD files more standardized.

ISSUE:

I order a number of dies from a few different vendors, each either prefer DWG or DXF. I prefer DWG (my default) for a couple of main reasons: the files are smaller and these files show a thumbnail preview when opening a file. Since we could use the same file for two different vendors I am saving files as both a DWG and a DXF. This creates a problem (that I haven't solved yet). See below.

Saving as Multiple File Types

- Saved default DWG file. 

- Save as DXF file.

- Close DXF file.

- Prompted with "Save in AutoCAD LT 2013/AutoCAD 2013 Drawing format?"

- "Yes" to keep the DWG and DXF consistent.

...now, each time I work in the DXF I will be asked to update the DWG. BUT, if I continue to only work in a DWG the DXF is not keeping up with the changes that I've made in the DXF unless I go and 'Save As'. What prevents anyone else from opening the DXF thinking it's up to date?

QUESTION:

1. Is there a way to link the DWG to DXF so that every save asks to update the other file type at the same time?
2. Is it possible to get DXFs to display a thumbnail in the preview window? SO many part name/numbers so visuals are always helpful.
3. Does anyone know of a link for good revision control measures, whether it be with AutoCAD or another source?

Thanks!

[pendean · Accepted solution]

AutoCAD is a DWG application: it will always prompt you to save to it's native format and truly works best with that format if you want to use all the features of AutoCAD..
DXFs don't have a Windows-preview feature AFAIK, it's a 1980s file format.

If you want an updated DXF as you work in a DWG, you will need to recreate it: there is no hook to connect the two separate file formats.

If you only EVER want to work in DXF format, you'll need to do this (pick your dxf file format) but just know you may risk facing performance issues