custom file location best practices

[tpreston]

I have been using AutoCAD LT for quite awhile and always have struggled over where the best folder location is for storing and accessing my custom files.  These custom files would be: templates, tool palettes, blocks, command icons, etc. that I've created and use on a daily basis.  For example, should they be located in the default folders that are setup up during install and are listed in the "Options" window or in a "easier to locate" folder I've created elsewhere?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[john.uhden]

I hate looking deep into directory trees, so I would make a folder named C:\Custom (or whatever you like).

Then in the Options command I would add that path at the top of the Support File Search Path.

You might want to name your folder alphabetically lower than other folder names so it is more likely to appear at or near the top of Explorer's list.  For example "_XXX" would come before "AAA."

If you want to share the resources with others in a networked environment, you could use say "N:\_Custom" presuming all applicable users have an "N" drive mapped to the same network location.

[dgorsman]

Aside from long folder names, I also try to re-use as much content as possible.  Blocks, for example, can be used by multiple versions.  Its easier to have common content outside of the install folder.

That also means when that version of the program is uninstalled there's nothing left over to clean up.

[scot-65]

In addition, reinforcing dg's insight...

If shared by others, on a network, place your "Menu Items" on a server.
If not shared by others, "c:\ProgramData" is one place.

I personally place all related items in the "AppData\Roaming" section
(in case of "airplane mode").

ARG, PAT, LIN, PC3, CTB/STB, TTF/SHX, PGP, CUIX, PSS and the like can
be placed in a subfolder "Support". Declare this folder as the first item
in your Support File Search Path (and in your plotter/pen table paths).

By keeping your items isolated from AutoCAD's OOTB folder structure,
one can easily transfer from one workstation to another or do an occasional
archive.

???

[tpreston]

Thank you all for your input. very helpful.