Michael’s Corner

Michael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

This month…

From the Vault

Originally published February 2010

The Importance of the Support File Search Path

Chances are, we all have at least a number or two programmed into our cell phone. Hit the key - or speak the name in some cases - and the number is dialed.

But that only happens because you programmed it in.

Similarly, if you want AutoCAD to retrieve images or files - such as what we did in this month's lead article - or run third-party programs such as CAP Designer from 2020 Technologies, you have to let AutoCAD know where you want it to ‘look’.

Specify a Support File Search Path

1. The easiest way to open the Options dialog box is by right-clicking in the Command line, then click Options.

2. Click the Files tab, then click the (+) sign beside the Support File Search Path node.

3. To add the path to your file or program, click the Add button and you will see an empty box at the bottom of the Search Path list.

4. Rather than typing in the path, click the Browse button to open the Browse for Folder dialog box.

5. Navigate to the location of where the program is installed or the file has been saved, click on the folder, then click OK to add that path to the list.

   Note: You are only specifying where the file or program ‘lives’, not selecting it.

6. Click OK to save your edits and close the Options dialog box.

Now, the next time you get the dialog box shown on the left, you will know what AutoCAD is trying to do.

But more importantly, you'll know how to fix it.

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