Data Shortcuts

[Anonymous]

I wonder where information about Data Shortcuts is saved, in the current file or some Place else?
Me and my co-workers share same CAD files. But we use unice folder for Data Shortcuts in each Project folder.
Everytime I open a file with data Shortcuts belonging to my co-workers the path in Data Shortcuts is replaced with path I hade in "my" most recent CAD file!
Something like this:
My Files: File A Data Shotcuts Folder A
My Co-worker: File B Data shortcuts Folder B
I open File B but Data Shortcuts is pointing to Folder A
What I am looking for is a way to keep the original path in Data Shortcuts like the way list of external references works!

[tdivittis · Accepted solution]

Shortcuts are stored in XML files, in the DataShortcuts folder.  They are essentially just pointers to a specific object (alignment, surface, etc.) within a specific file.  They will work in a 'relative path' scenario, insofar as if a referenced object's drawing is in the same relative folder position as it was originally, they work with no problems.

If you want to share the actual list of objects in the Shortcuts list, you would have to do some manual updating of the shortcuts folder (not recommended) to copy relevant XMLs, and possibly edit some.  (I haven't been that deep into those files for some time.)

I believe Civil 3D will try setting the current working folder to match the one the drawing is 'assigned' to.  (In my opinion, C3D applies a little smoke and mirrors and over complicates something very simple.  I remember someone from Adesk telling me years ago that it was to make it look/feel the same as it does with Vault.............which is silly, because those configurations are not even remotely similar.)

Are you guys working in a networked environment?  If so, you both *should* be using the same DataShortcuts foler setup, to avoid the problems you're talking about.

I hope I've helped, at least a little.  I was a little unsure of exactly what you were wanting to do with the shortcuts.

[Anonymous]

Thanks!
Then That is not me not understanding the procedure of how it is done!
Usually we create a Data Shortcuts for every project in just that project folder.
That is because the surface, aligments etc are just valid in that project.

But we are going to consider your solution!
Thank you!
 

[Anonymous]

We struggle with similar issues as well as others involving data sources.  Are you saying the data shortcut path is not saved with the drawing when the data shortcut folder is associated with the drawing?  Some type of DS info appears to be stored with the drawing because when I try to change the DS source drawing it continues to reference the original source file until I rename/move it in spite of the DS folder referencing the new source file.  Seems like the DS folder being associated with the drawing would set the project path but there I go assuming again.

[Mike.M.Carlson]

Hello-

If you're in a drawing that has or will have DREFs to Project A and you want it to always open the Project Shortcuts for Project A when you open the drawing each time.  Simply path your Prospector to Project A and right click on the Project Shortcut path and select "Associate to Project to Current Drawing".  Then save drawing.  Each time you open this drawing, the Project A Shortcuts will display.  Please see below:

You could do the same with Project B dwgs.  

As @tdivittis indicated, if you're both working on the same project, setting up a network project folder with one Project Shortcut folder structure is best.

[tdivittis]

fmckellar,

It sort of is....ugh.  It saves a relative and full path.  I've not seen any documentation on behavior, but it appears to look in the 'relative' path first.  This way, if you transfer an entire project folder (several assumptions made there, of course) to a USB to work at home, etc., all of the references will behave properly.  The XML files in the DataShortcuts folder are ONLY used when actually creating the reference.  Once reference, those XML files are completely ignored (as far as i can tell, anyway.)  I've been working this way for quite a few years, now.

Thanks for the screen shot, Mike.  I couldn't remember what the heck that was even called, the associate to project thing.  To the OP, there is no magic in that association.  I believe it simply sets that shortcut folder to current when you open the drawing back up.  It is quite nice that it sets it for you, don't get me wrong, but beyond that, it has no effect on the referencing, at all.

One thing worth mentioning, I would be very cautious about sharing referenced objects (alignments, surfaces, etc.) across projects.  I would not say you should never do this, but in my enviornment, it is a big no-no.  You have to remember that those function like an XRef in that if the reference is not found, the data will not load.  Things like project archival, etc., can wreak havoc on you if you're not careful about the handling and long term ramifications of the referencing.

[Mike.M.Carlson · Accepted solution]

It sort of is....ugh.  It saves a relative and full path.  I've not seen any documentation on behavior, but it appears to look in the 'relative' path first.  This way, if you transfer an entire project folder (several assumptions made there, of course) to a USB to work at home, etc., all of the references will behave properly.  The XML files in the DataShortcuts folder are ONLY used when actually creating the reference.  Once reference, those XML files are completely ignored (as far as i can tell, anyway.)  I've been working this way for quite a few years, now.

@tdivittis you describe how this works very well and can confirm how you summarized it. 

I believe it simply sets that shortcut folder to current when you open the drawing back up.  It is quite nice that it sets it for you, don't get me wrong, but beyond that, it has no effect on the referencing, at all.

Yep my fault...I misread @Anonymous post...I thought he wanted to have a quick way to know which DREFs are in the drawing he's in.  If he does that step and then creates the DREF, in essence he'll have a quick reminder of which Shortcut Project the DREFs in the dwg are from.  I agree though, that it does nothing with regard to the DREF links already created. 

Side Note: We leverage the Manage Tab\Manage Data Shortcuts option in C3D 17 and 18 at times during design.  We find this interface useful because you can re-associate an existing drawing DREF to a different (updated) DREF source within the project.  I agree with your caution about this, but sometimes in a Design setting, there are different phases and as the design evolves, different source files may be created to separate design approaches and it's nice to be able to just update the DREF behind the scenes to keep everything that's associated with original DREF in Production Drawings the same.  Anyway, I show a quick .gif below showing this interface.  Have a good evening.  

[Anonymous]

Thanks all for the information/education.  We do associate DS folders with drawing files but it seems a bit sketchy in day to day use. 

For those setting up one network DS folder with all projects there in, do you have any archival issues?  What makes this setup work better than setting the DS folder in each project folder, sketchiness of the associate function?

I missed the "connect" button between the left and right pane yesterday in manage.  Many thanks for bringing that to my attention.  Is there a way to do this in bulk?  the Data Shortcuts Editor did not work, operator error?

Thanks again,

Fred

[Anonymous]

Thanks! I Think I am wiser now!

My Solution is using same Working Folder or a single Folder for all Data Shortcuts Project Folder!

[Mike.M.Carlson]

Hi Fred-

We set up a project-specific DS folder within each project folder like you, but all our files are on a network.  I may have thrown you off by saying one network location above.  I just meant we have all our Civil 3D project files on a network that our team can access.  

Data Shortcut Editor is the only option I know of to edit DREFs in bulk without opening each drawing.  I haven’t had to use that option very much though.

We create folders in the DS Project to help track design progression, which is working well. Or we’ll create a new DS Project as needed.

I hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Mike,

Yes, quite helpful.  That is how we set projects as well and for the same reasons.

Thanks,

Fred