Include additional files in Vault Checkin / xref custom file types

[lharwoodWZKMU]

We have a plugin in AutoCAD that generates other files located in the same directory and have the same base name as the dwg.  Our goal is to have those files included with the dwg when it gets checked into Vault. One path we've been looking into is trying to add these files as an xref in the dwg so they automatically get included in the the checkin but we haven't been able to find a way to add our custom file types as an xref and don't know if that's even possible? Any suggestions or direction on how to accomplish what we're trying to do would be greatly appreciated.

[Ed__Jobe]

When you say "custom file types", do you mean you created your own file extension? You might try inserting them as OLE, INSOBJ command. You can insert it in paperspace beyond the sheet border. If acad can't read the file type, it inserts a small tile. I don't know about Vault, but our dms can recognize OLE references.

[lharwoodWZKMU]

Yeah we have our own file extensions. Tried the INSERTOBJ and was able to insert them into the drawing but doesn't look like Vault automatically picks up those references so I don't think it solves the problem but I appreciate the suggestion. Looks like we might be able to use a Datalink but TBD.

[Ed__Jobe]

Does vault allow you to manually check in the files? They're not being blocked?

When you used INSOBJ, did you check the link option?

[sudokuxls]

You can check this thread to store files in a drawing.

[norman.yuan]

Depending on how you define "included", you should first look into the Vault API to see what you can do while the main drawing is is checked in/out. I'd bet it is likely there is some way to get the said file(s) checked in/out, either automatically with the main drawing file, or by prompted user, to/from the same project folder, or specific folder. But this would be beyond the topic of this forum. You can visit Vault Customization forum here:

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/vault-customization/bd-p/301 

But if you want a pure AutoCAD side solution, you could try to embed the file in the drawing file as binary data (say in the drawing's NamedDictionary), if the file is fairly small. So, you need to right code to convert the data in file into binaries and decide when the embed (before the checking in) and when to retrieve it (after the drawing is checked out and open in AutoCAD...).