Here, frequent tipster Danny Korem shares a multitude of AutoCAD tips regarding file sharing for the purpose of file referencing.

Most of AutoCAD’s users work as a part of a design team, and cross-referencing is fairly common. We all use each other’s drawing files as background for our daily work and for checking on progress and modifications. The great thing is that if we replace older files with newer versions, we enable the workflow to keep flowing. Sometimes clients become frustrated when they try to attach a DWG file and it takes minutes, during which time AutoCAD does not respond properly. Here are the actions I take to help them:

• Get rid of unused annotation scales. Try doing this as you maintain your files. If you get files that contain excess annotation scales, locate the ones designated custom in the list and delete all unnecessary scales (used scales are not to be removed), or reset to the list of scales governed by the list in options.
• Avoid unreconciled layers. If layers have been created or added to a file you are trying to attach, AutoCAD will inform you about that, enabling you to take advantage of the layer filter, which is automatically generated. Select all the layers and right-click the Reconcile Layers option. Though it’s an option, if you do not reconcile those layers, they won’t plot.
• Find and fix file problems by using the Audit option with the Yes option for Fix Problems. Only if you do it twice will you be able to tell whether the problems were fixed. Mark problematic files for future, deeper treatment.
• Check to see if files were purged. I always purge my files, both in AutoCAD and in the e-transmit sessions. Yet, check it, especially if you have a routine for doing so automatically.
• Remember that Purge won’t get rid of regapps, which need to be treated by –Purge or another app. I use the free app by Blackbox from the Autodesk Exchange.
• Look for strange phenomena, such as a text style with no name, and get rid of the problem.
• Zoom to extents and find out if some trash geometry or sketches were left behind. Unnecessary stuff is easy to get rid of. I opt to Erase All and then, using the Shift key, I unselect everything I’m going to leave as is.
• If you’re attaching a multiple layouts DWG and you are using its model, you might like to get rid of the layouts.
• Use the quick-select feature to get familiar with the file to be attached. This will give you an idea about the objects you might soon meet. Focus on clips, xclips, and so forth.
• Don’t alter the design or touch the geometry! They are not yours. Their intellectual property status is identified by a logo, and even if the file is not protected by attached digital signatures, responsibility and rights both belong to another person or entity.
• Check both your file and the file to be attached, and verify they are both saved in WCS. If you use units (and you should), check to see whether the file to be attached does the same to avoid messing with scales.
• If you experience problems, you might consider attaching a PDF (only if created with DWG to PDF by Autodesk) since it is vector based and may contain layer information.

Notes from Cadalyst tip reviewer R.K. McSwain: Whether you are the one sharing the file or the recipient, you’ll probably find something useful here. Nobody likes to receive a drawing file cluttered with useless information. Nice, clean drawing files make everyone’s job easier.