Open read only Lisp

[Code_x]

Hi, I'm using AutoCAD 2024 and juggling a lot of files at once due to coordination tasks. When I need to restart my computer, I have to close CAD and manually save the file paths of at least 8 files. I'm looking for a LISP or some tool that allows me to open multiple links in read-only mode. Is there a method to do this apart from pasting the link in the open file dialog and navigating to read-only? I’m seeking a more efficient way, as I’ve been doing it this way for quite some time. Since the files I work with change daily, I don't want to pin them in AutoCAD’s start-up page. I mainly save the path in my notes and re-opening them when needed. Notes that contain file paths constantly gets updated. 

[pendean]

Try this

https://www.cadtutor.net/forum/topic/58081-open-read-only/#findComment-481424

and

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/visual-lisp-autolisp-and-general/autolisp-for-only-read/m-p/12648534#... 

[Code_x]

It doesn't work. I created a .lsp file, and it loaded in CAD, but when I tried to trigger it to open a file, it opened normally. Can you please provide steps if you happen to know them? Not sure if I am doing something wrong

[Moshe-A]

@Code_x  hi,

when i open a file in read only i end up closing it without saving, why do want to save?

if you do want to save, why open them in read only?

Moshe

[komondormrex]

hi,

(foreach file '("full_filename_1.dwg" "full_filename_2.dwg" "full_filename_3.dwg" "full_filename_4.dwg" "full_filename_5.dwg" "full_filename_6.dwg")
	(vla-open (vla-get-documents (vlax-get-acad-object)) file :vlax-true)
)

where "full_filename_1...6.dwg"  have to be something like this 

"drive:\\full_path\\name_1...6.dwg" or "drive:/full_path/name_1...6.dwg"

[Code_x]

Can you please provide steps how to use this?

[Code_x]

Is there a way to adjust AutoCAD settings to open files in read-only mode, as an alternative to using Lisp? 

[DGCSCAD]

You can set your DWG files (or most any other file) to Read-Only in Windows Explorer by right clicking on the file, select Properties, then check the Read-Only box.

[pendean]

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@Code_x wrote:

Is there a way to adjust AutoCAD settings to open files in read-only mode, as an alternative to using Lisp? 

---

No.

Would using a software like DWGTRUEVIEW instead of AutoCAD not an option? it only opens DWG files as read-only since it has no ability to write to the DWG file.

[pendean]

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@Code_x wrote:
It doesn't work. I created a .lsp file, and it loaded in CAD...

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If you are trying the VBA based tips, you need to install this first (restart your PC afterwards) to enable VBA in AutoCAD (it's never installed unless you do so)

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/tsarticles/ts/3kxk0RyvfWTfSfAIrcmsLQ.html