In this click saver I want to discuss two tools and how to make them work together. The two tools is the newly released Autodesk 360 Sync service and in AutoCAD 2013 the Content Explorer. You probably have heard of the Content Explorer before since it came out in AutoCAD 2012 but like most people never really looked at it. Content Explorer gives you the ability to search through the drawings and “copy” blocks, layers, text styles, dimensions styles, layout tabs, linetypes, leader styles, and lot more. The Autodesk 360 Sync service is the Cloud based tools that is free when you create an Autodesk ID (link here), the file storage (3GB) is similar to Dropbox. If you are on subscription with Autodesk you will gain access to more space and more tools depending on what you use. Hopefully after this click saver you go and try it out for self.
Steps:
1. In order for this to work you need to login into your Autodesk ID account (see above link). Now start AutoCAD 2013 and at the top right pick the “Sign In”.
2. On the “Plug-ins” tab pick on the “Explore” button or you can type CONTENTEXPLORER at command prompt.
3. By default you should see three local folders listed under “Content Service (Localhost)”, Aquarium, Downloaded Content, and Sample.
4. Now type “onlinefolder” at the Command line and hit “enter”. Now hit “F2” to bring up the “Text Window” to see this path: C:\Users\<user login id>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Autodesk Sync\Cloud\<login.name>
5. Select the path and right-click to Copy (clipboard) this path from the Command line editor.
6. In the Content Explorer palette, click on “Configure Settings” button at the bottom right.
7. Now pick on “Add Watched Folder” button and pick on any of the presented folders, for this example Documents and pick OK.
8. In the next dialogue box called “Edit Watched Folder” you can edit the Local Path and paste the Autodesk Sync folder you had copied in Step 5. If you want add a “Description” and pick OK.
9. Now in Content Explorer palette, you should see a new folder named as your login for Autodesk 360 service. (e.g. “Fred.Flintstone”).
What is great is you can now start populating your Autodesk 360 Sync account with some of your favorite content that you like use again and again. With it being on the cloud you now have access to it 24/7 onsite or offsite, you just need internet access, plus it is searchable!
Now you can drag and drop blocks, layers, etc. from your Autodesk 360 Sync account into your current drawing. A couple of things to think about going forward with this concept: store your office’s CAD standards, block library or drawing templates in Autodesk 360 Sync and use them anywhere and anytime. One other thing to think about is using your smart phone or tablet and using AutoCAD WS.
