Relative Path for References

[kmwhitt]

Whenever I use "attachimage" within a drawing, I specify relative path. I would assume that if I open the file on another computer, AutoCAD would be able to find the image as long as it is in the same folder as the DWG file. This is never the case. I always get an error message stating that the reference is missing and it asks if I want to update its location. What good is specifying a relative path then? Any work arounds? What am I doing wrong? I'm using AutoCAD 2010.

 

 

Thanks,

 

Kevin

[DANIEL]

if your directory structure and file name is consistant you shouldn't be having this issue, what type of image are you attaching and what steps are you taking to get there?

[kmwhitt]

It is usually a tif or jpeg that I am using to trace over... The files/folders are consistent. I was under the impression that as long as these files were all in the same directory, AutoCAD would find them. This has NEVER been the case and the references have never been moved. Not even the hierarchy has been changed.

 

Maybe I should clarify -

 

The image file is not in the same folder as the DWG. It is under that folder in another folder named REF. It won't work with lateral relationships either. Maybe this in intentional, but I have always defined relatative path as meaning it could be found as long as the position of the file is the same in relation to the DWG no matter what the CPU.

 

 

Thanks again,

 

Kevin

[SLW210]

I would think in your instance "No Path" would be the best option.

 

  Quote

Specify No Path

 

 

When no path information is saved with the attached external reference, the following search is initiated in the order shown:

• Current folder of the host drawing
  
• Project search paths defined on the Files tab in the Options dialog box and in the PROJECTNAME system variable
  
• Support search paths defined on the Files tab in the Options dialog box
  
• Start In folder specified in the Microsoft®Windows®application shortcut
  

Specifying the No Path option is useful when moving a set of drawings to a different folder hierarchy or to an unknown folder hierarchy.

 

  Quote

Specify a Relative Path

Relative paths are partially specified folder paths that assume the current drive letter or the folder of the host drawing. This is the most flexible option, and enables you to move a set of drawings from your current drive to a different drive that uses the same folder structure.

If the file that is being referenced is located on a different local hard drive or on a network server, the relative path option is not available.

 

Nevermind, I see you have changed your story.

 

  Quote

I would assume that if I open the file on another computer, AutoCAD would be able to find the image as long as it is in the same folder as the DWG file.

 

I believe in your NEW situation you need to use "Full Path".

 

  Quote

Specify a Full (Absolute) Path

A full path is a fully specified hierarchy of folders that locates the file reference. A full path includes a local hard drive letter, a URL to a website, or a network server drive letter. This is the most specific but least flexible option.

[DANIEL]

are you positive your defining them as relative pathed?

[kmwhitt]

Here's an illustration of what I am trying to do... Neither case will work!

 

[kmwhitt]

  DANIEL said:

are you positive your defining them as relative pathed?

 

Yes, I am certain I specify "relative path"...

[SLW210]

Add the folder to your search path and see if it works, with NO Path.

[kmwhitt]

How do I go about adding the folder to my search path? I don't follow you... Thanks~!

[DANIEL]

try it with your image in the client folder

[SLW210]

  kmwhitt said:

How do I go about adding the folder to my search path? I don't follow you... Thanks~!

 

_OPTIONS>FILES>Support File Search Path select Add and Browse to the folders.

[rickh]

what does the image "saved path" show in the xref manager?

[kmwhitt]

  rickh said:

what does the image "saved path" show in the xref manager?

 

It says "sink.tif"

[kmwhitt]

  SLW210 said:

_OPTIONS>FILES>Support File Search Path select Add and Browse to the folders.

 

I'm sure that will work, but that sorta' defeats the whole purpose of using a relative path... that would also make the reference absolute...

[rickh]

Well, it sounds like it is applying the "no path" option if that's all it shows. That doesn't really solve your problem, but to test this will it find the image if you place it in the same folder as the dwg?

[kmwhitt]

  rickh said:

Well, it sounds like it is applying the "no path" option if that's all it shows. That doesn't really solve your problem, but to test this will it find the image if you place it in the same folder as the dwg?

 

Yes, all is well if placed within the same folder...

[rickh]

sorry, that's about the extent of my knowledge....if I see the drive letter, it's full path; slashes, it's relative; just the file name, it's no path. As to why it won't apply your relative, not sure. If you can attach the dwg and tif, maybe someone can try to find a problem/solution.