Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
(OP)
I would like to send .dwg files to other clients. I am working w/ Acad 2000 and Acad 2004LT. Can you make a file uneditable but still be viewed in Acad? Thanks.





RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
Don
RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
"Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." — Will Rogers
RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
Hope this helps, Larry
RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
1: Wblock your drawing
2: In new drawing, “MInsert” drawing with 1 row,2 columns, and set the distance to 0 between columns.
Now when you send the drawing to someone, it can be viewed but not exploded and changed.
The only drawback with this is that the drawing has to be all paper space, or all model space.
P.S. An experienced ACAD user may know what was done, and know how to defeat this, but the average user will not.
Flores
RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
If you right click on the dwg file, and then select properties, you can check "read only" instead of "archive", and then the file will be read only and it can't be changed or edited.
They won't be able to "accidentally" edit or screw up the file, but if they really want to edit it, they can. If it's not a security issue, you can just use this method. There are programs that can convert large numbers of files to read only, archive, etc..
John
RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
John2004, all someone has to do is a save as and then it can be modified.
smcadman, for beginners, this would be a good option, but unfortunately, most that I deal with are not.
borgunit, I've already tried to submit the dwf file to my uppers. For one reason or another it was not an option.
Metalfixer, I will research this option.
Thanks again for all the responses.
RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
They can not be changed on the CD
Yes they can saveas on their drive but you will always be able to document changes from the CD
RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
Flores
RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
If you right click on the drawing dwg before you open it, select properties, and then check "read only" then un-check everything else, then the file is "read only". You cannot use the "save as" function to make changes unlesss you rename the file. If you try to make changes, without renaming the file first, you will get a message that says "write protected" and you cant change anyting. As I mentioned, this is just to keep someone from accidently making changes. It's not a "security" option.
Another option is to simply lock all drawing layers, and then nothing can be modified, but then you can really only view the drawing, if you take meaurements and want to delete the measurements, then you will have to unlock the layer.
Are you afraid someone is going to accidently make changes and just screw up the drawing, or is it security related where you are afraid someone will modify your DWG and use it for their own profit without your permission ?
John
RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
RE: Is there a way to "lock" a .dwg file so it can't be modified?
ht
"Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects." — Will Rogers