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Changing Drawing References

Changing Drawing References

Changing Drawing References

(OP)
I am trying to change the referenced assy in a drawing with a very, very, very similar one by doing the old "open", "references", "dbl click", select new file, and it shows the change in the New Pathname column, but when I open the file, the old assy is still there in every way.

What am I doing wrong?  Isn't this supposed to work this way?  Is there a setting(s) I need to ensure is(are) correct?

Thanks,
"Frustrated"

RE: Changing Drawing References

Try temporarily renaming the old assembly file so SW definitely can't find it.

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
That allows me to change using the "...cant find ... want to find yourself ..." deal, but I thought the whole pt of the "References" in open or save was to be able to redirect the referenced location and or file name without having to go through all that?

Thanks for the reply,
Mike

RE: Changing Drawing References

Make sure that you are opening the file as soon as you are done changing the reference (while the drawing file name is still highlighted).  If you don't open the file immediately it will still reference the old file.

mncad

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
I do I think.  After changing the ref, I select "ok" to get back to the open dialog box and then I open the dwg but it is still the old ref.

Are you saying it should in fact be changed at that time (that's what I thought).

Thanks,
Mike

RE: Changing Drawing References

Hi, SWISGR8:

Did you save the new created assembly drawing document? If you did not, you won't see the new assembly model referenced in your new drawing.

Good Luck!

Alex

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
Yeah, did that but still old ref.

Let me just give the whole thing to all you in case I am doing something really wrong:

I have 4 dwgs that will be very similar in that the assy files they ref are all very similar.  So I made the first and saved it 3 different times for the rest of the p/n's.  My plan was then to change the refs as I opened them.  And that's where I ran into my problem of refs not changing for me.

Does that all sound legal within SW?

Thanks,
Mike

RE: Changing Drawing References

Are you checking the check box in front of the new path?  If you don't check the check box it doesn't actually change the reference.

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
Yeah, checked box, but it seems to me like that is only to indicate which refs you want to do text operations on for paths, etc.  But either way, I have had that checked as well and i've tried the saving.  Does what I described for what I was trying to do make sense and seem like it should work?

Thanks,
Mike

RE: Changing Drawing References

What version and sevice pack are you on?  We had this same problem at 2006 SP 2.0 and 3.0.  I can say for sure the bug is corrected on 2007 SP 0.0 and 1.0.  It must have been corrected somewhere in between 2006 3.0 and 2007 0.0 with a service pack or major version.  We handled changing references by using SolidWorks explorer to copy the drawing and assembly at the same time and re-name while doing so.  The other way we handled it was to place the file that you are switching from referencing into a different folder, so that it can't be found (this has sort of been mentioned already).  Then you should be able to manually browse and select the new file, without the reference reverting back to the old one.

Pete

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
Prof 2006, sp4.1

That must be it.  I've done ways you and handleman mention, but in this case, re-directing at OPEN seemed quicker and more convenient.

What you say must be it though, because it doesnt seem like such an involved process that would make it so tricky.

There is at least one more sp but we havent had a chance to update yet.

Thanks everyone,
Mike

RE: Changing Drawing References

Hi, SWISGR8:

I have a feeling that you did not replace the model properly.  Can you list all the steps you use to open a drawing (drawing "A") with refernece to a model (model "A") and redirect the drawing to reference to a different model (model "B")?

Alex

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
Ill list step-by-step:

1)Open file

2)Select, from the file list, the .SLDDRW file which refereneces assy model "A" (with intention of changing ref to assy model "B") but do not execute opening

3)Select the References... button in OPEN dialog box

4) Dbl click, from the References list, the file (which in this case there is only 1) for which I want to apply the re-direct which initiates the an OPEN dialog box

5) Select  and accept the file (assy model "B") from the list

6) The "New pathname" column now reflects this change

7) From this point I have tried all combinations of:
   - making sure the box of the reference I changed is
     checked before executing opening
   - open in lightweight on/off
   - save after opening to see if that effects change
   - Rebuilding/Forced regeneration/Saving-closing-opening

Let me know if something seems incorrect.

Thanks,
Mike

RE: Changing Drawing References

Mike,

   Your process is correct.  Alex assumed that you did not apply the change correctly.  It is a bug as I stated earlier.

Pete

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
I'm figuring that it is a bug too, and as long as all agree with process makes me more confident.

Thanks everyone,

Off to get SP 5.0

Mike

RE: Changing Drawing References

So, you have 4 models:
Model A, B, C and D
You made a first DWG A which References (->) Model A.

To be clear, you need to:
Open: DWG A -> Model A
Save As COPY: DWG B which will still reference (->) Model A

Save As COPY: DWG C -> Model A
Save As COPY: DWG D -> Model A

Then close DWG A.
Open DWG B, then go into the references box and change the reference to Model B, as you listed in steps 3 and on.

This should work, I had it work in SP4.1, I believe.  As that is what we had until just recently when we went to 2007SP0.0.

It sounded from your list that you may have just opened up your orignal DWG A and wanted to reference B and THEN do a save as.  That won't work, for some odd reason.

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
What you say is what I did.  I even just did it quickly to make sure I use the saved-as-copy dwg and still no go.  I also got up to SP 5.0 this noon and still no go.  Looks like SP 5.0 is latest, so I am going on hope that once we get to 2007 all will be fine.  It's not a huge deal I guess, I mean there are work-arounds, it just seems very convenient in this case.

RE: Changing Drawing References

Hi, SWISGR8:

I do not think there is a bug here.  Your steps 1 to 6 are fine.  But the step 7 may have problems.  You did not indicate whether you save your active drawing document as (or as a copy) another drawing document.

I have been using SW 2006 sp 4.1.  I do not have any problems at all.  You may want study a lot more about SW search mechanism ("Searching for Referenced Documents") using SolidWorks Help Topics menu.  This section talks about search priorities in SolidWorks.

Also, take a look at Tools/Option.../System Option/File Locations/ to see what you have for referenced documents.

Good Luck!

Alex

RE: Changing Drawing References

I don't know if you can post files here, or attach an HTML link, but, you could do the SolidWorksRX thing to record your steps to a video file, post that and then maybe we could comment.  I'd say it could be a bug on your install, but since you upgraded that should be cleared.  

It's a settings issue as RGRAYCLAMPS states, or "pilot error" we just can't see what's happening.

I'll try to do a video myself for you and post it if I can.

RE: Changing Drawing References

Blurry First Try:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5334921636590221410

Will try again.  You can note that the preview when I go to open up any of the drawings the first time, shows the preview image containing Model_A.  But when I open they are the properly newly-referenced models.

I'll try for a cleaner video.

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
I did more extensive testing, and it works fine for:

- parts in assys
- parts in dwgs
- Sub-assys in assys

But not fine for:

- Assy's in Dwgs

I hear you on the search rules, which I have looked at quite extensively and keep a printed copy in my desk.  However, that shouldnt matter when I am telling it exactly what I want; it has no searching to do.  And I feel that is confirmed when I replace a sub-assy in an assy.

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but none of this is adding up.  Has everyone understood that I have been trying to replace a SLDASM with another SLDASM in a SLDDRW?  If SW doesnt allow that then it shouldnt let you go through the motions.

RE: Changing Drawing References

I understand, not sure why not working.  My video was of a part.  I'll try with an assembly, should be no different.

You aren't working with/with-in PDM works or anything, right?

RE: Changing Drawing References

I just did this last week with swx05 sp0.0 and it worked
just fine...

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
With an assy in a dwg?

RE: Changing Drawing References

SWISGR8

We do this all the time with assemblies without any issues.
I just did one to make sure with 2006 sp4.0 and had no problems changeing the referances.

RE: Changing Drawing References

Yep...three similar assemblies a,b,c.
Created drawing of a.
Saved a as b and c.
Opened b with redirected ref to b
Opened c with redirected ref to c


Worked just as described in previous post..

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
I just did the same with 2 very basic assys and all parts, assys and dwgs are in the same directory and I included the directory in the "Referenced Documents" serach path listing ... still no good .... any other settings anyone might be aware that would affect this situation with the specific situation of assy in dwg?

RE: Changing Drawing References

Yep, worked with assemblies.
Open Assy_BC.slddrw -> Assy_BC.sldasm
Save as copy: Assy_BC.slddrw as Assy_BCD.slddrw
Save as copy: Assy_BC.slddrw as Assy_ABCD.slddrw

Close Assy_BC.slddrw

Now will have three DWGs with -> Reference
Assy_BC.slddrw   ->  Assy_BC.sldasm
Assy_BCD.slddrw  ->  Assy_BC.sldasm
Assy_ABCD.slddrw ->  Assy_BC.sldasm

So, open Assy_BCD.slddrw, change reference from within open window, and now you should have:
Assy_BCD.slddrw -> Assy_BCD.sldasm

No problems, except some location of views, if model size changes, as in my example video...

Google compresses the heck outta it...and I can't seem to find another way to host it.  

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6571234497347503657
is too ugly to watch...
Even though it's ugly, you should be able to see the steps as I outlined them above...

Good luck

RE: Changing Drawing References

May seem overkill...making a new account for this...
But feel free to log into a quick email address I created to share the video.  (Heck could be an easy annonymous way for anyone on the site to share tips.)

goto
gmail.com
Username: EngTipsX
Password: Eng-Tips

There is a self sent email there with a .wmv file attached.

It's only 1 MB and it plenty legible and usable.  Are you following that process?

RE: Changing Drawing References

Hi, SWISGR8:

I have been replacing assembly models in drawing documents for a long time using every version of SW.  I never had any problems.  The only problems that I know is that you can not replace an assembly model with a part model or replace a part model with an assembly model in a drawing document (BTW, there is no reason to do so!).

I do not think that you saved your newly created drawing document successfully.  When you try to open this new document, SW reroutes reference to the original assembly model based on its default search rules.

By the way, when you double click the References list to browse for replacement model, the checkbox you mentioned below is no longer of use.

************************************
   - making sure the box of the reference I changed is
     checked before executing opening
************************************

This checkbox only works when you create a new model.

You are very close to figure your problem.  Do not give up.

Alex


RE: Changing Drawing References

SWISGR8

The only thing that I can think of that is that the drawing is a read only file and your settings are to disregard changes to read only files.

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
Yeah,

I dont know.  I realize checking the box has nothing to do with it once dbl clicked and also saving as copy is really not an issue either (i've done it to make sure, but doesnt really make sense for that to matter); SW doesnt care if you want to change the ref of an orig; just do it with an orig dwg (part dwg in my case LOL) or assy, it really doesnt, rightfully so, care.  My typical experience with Read Only is that most, if not all things, are allowed. It's just that you can't save to the file that was read only when you opened it.  Dont take any of that the wrong way, just trying to work through and eliminate potential probs.

This thing just makes no sense to me since I can change part-in-dwg, part-in-assy, sub-in-assy.  I can pretty much guarantee not a saving issue.  Everything goes fine.  It allows me to do what I want until comes time for SW to follow through and load the correct assy which it doesnt do.  I dont see refs as an issue since I can replace a sub in an assy with no prob, it's just when I go to replace an assy in a dwg.  That's why I wonder if there is a setting or bug.

Please anyone feel free to question all that logic, but that's the way I'm seeing it right now.

I'd do an RX, but keeps killing SW just after it opens it; maybe these issues are in some way related.

I dont know .... but it's Friday right?  Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Mike

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
Oh, and thanks for the videos ... that's pretty much what I do too.  Just to recap, I get it to work for all situations except assy-in-dwg.

Thanks all

RE: Changing Drawing References

Hi, SWISGR8:

Try the following.  You may find an answer to your question.

1) Launch your SolidWorks (if your SolidWorks is running, close and relaunch it);
2) Create a new part model and save it as "Part1.sldprt";
3) Create a new assembly model with this new part "Part1" and save it as "Assembly1.sldasm";
4) Create a new assembly drawing document for this assembly model "Assembly1" and save it as "Assembly1.slddrw";
5) Close all your active SolidWorks documents;
6) Open the assembly model "Assembly1" and save it as a copy named "Assembly2" and close the "Assembly1";
7) Now try again to see if you can replace "Assembly1" with "Assembly2" for "Assembly1" drawing document.

(Note: Try not to use any of your existing SW documents!)

Please post your finding.

Have a nice weekend!

Alex

RE: Changing Drawing References

You have a good weekend, too...However, have you tried just making a test case?

Try something similar, but with new, fakely made parts, just to test it?

Could be something in the file you're using itself, i.e. references it just can't break/figure out.

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
Yeah, I made very simple extrusions of rectangle, circle, and triangle parts.  Made 2 assys (1 of rect and circ, 1 of rect and tri to quickly and easily see differences).  Made dwgs of parts and 1 assy.  Saved-as-copy the assy dwg (just to rule that out).  All in same directory with nothing else.   Even did with Referenced Docs search path directory list inclusive of this test directory as well as exclusive of it.  Went through change scenarios of part-in-assy, part-in-dwg, and assy-in-dwg; and the same thing, assy-in-dwg did not work but others did.  I did not have a chance to do sub-in-assy since I did not make an assy with a sub, but I had that work in other assys.

I wondered about the file itself being problematic too, but when I did this very basic test, the results were the same.

I dont know ... I just dont know

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
Just saw yours rgrayclamps,

I'll give it a whirl.

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
Did it, completely separated from other things, but still same.  The reference in the view is still "assembly1" as well as when I find references in the File menu.

I even gave it a little twist:
1) closed SW completely
2) renamed "assembly1" in Windows Explorer
3) opened SW
4) Went to open "assembly1.slddrw" and change ref to the file I had renamed it original/current reference to
5) OPEN - but gave me the "cant find .... find yourself ?" msg

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
Gotta be installation you think ?

RE: Changing Drawing References

I'm having the same exact issue as SWISGR8. I've been replacing reference drawings for a couple years and, suddenly, when we installed SP5 for 2006, I can't replace reference assemblies like I did before. Sometimes, it works, most times it won't. And I never had issues before. I hope that 2007 will eliminate this problem when we upgrade.

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
I got to thinking about when I installed SP5.0 and I didnt turn off Anti-Virus, is that an issue with SP's as with overall installation ?  If it is, I was going to redo but it wont let because I am already in SP5.0, I figured only way would be to reinstall and then update to SP5.0 (which is way more than I want do to right now, so I figure on waiting till 2007).

Thanks everyone for all the input

RE: Changing Drawing References

Maybe that's part of the problem(s) I'm having. I have gone back and forth with IT about the antivirus issue and they refuse to shut it off (and users are blocked from doing so) even to install solidworks. They tell me that it has no effect on installing software and it's against policy to disable it even temporarily.

I have given up in disgust and waiting for my new system and upgrade to sw 2007 in hopes I can push to have this stuff installed without antivirus running.

RE: Changing Drawing References

SWISGR8, I do not make copies of dwgs and related parts/assys the way you do.
I open dwg and part/assy at same time. Go to part/assy, "save as" new name. Go to dwg, "save as" new name.
I do this process again for any similar part or assys.
This will not give you the headaches of references staying with the files.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

RE: Changing Drawing References

(OP)
Thanks Chris,

I do that way usually as well, but in this case I had the assys already created and they were extremely similar, so I was trying to do it the way with ref redirect.  When the assys are already created, the way you mention isn't really workable, is that correct?  If there is a way to do it like that once assys already created, I'd love to know.

thanks,
Mike

RE: Changing Drawing References

Takami826 ... Show this to your IT guys. In particular the statement made at the 5th bullet;
http://www.solidworks.com/swexpress/pages/mar05/TT_CleanUpdate.html

Also see the first thing listed in the "Installation" section at this link;
http://www.solidworks.com/swexpress/pages/jul05/TT_Troubleshooting_Checklist.html

While it is true that some anti-virus programmes do not affect the installation of SW, it is generally well-known that some of them can & do cause problems.

cheers
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to find answers ... FAQ559-1091

RE: Changing Drawing References

CoreBlimeyLimey:
thanks. I fwd'd that info to the more cooperative of the IT guys and am going to attempt to make sure he's the one who's setting up our new systems.

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