Creating Palettes in AutoCAD-Based Products (CAD Manager's Toolbox)
11 Mar, 2008 By: Robert GreenCan I deploy tool palettes over a network? I've had trouble with my tool palette files (ATP file types) becoming corrupted.
Robert Green replies: In the last edition of CAD Manager's Toolbox, I gave some hints for creating large tool palettes quickly. I received a number of follow-up questions that mainly had to do with deploying the palettes over a network.
You certainly can deploy your palettes via a network connection. The way to control where the palettes reside is within the AutoCAD Options command. Read more
![]() Setting a network directory for Tool Palette placement. |
In this case I've used a local area network (LAN) directory on a server that is at my office. Since I have a good connection and high speed to the LAN server, I don't experience problems with the palette (more on this in a moment).
In fact, you can even make the LAN directory read only for your users, and they'll be able to use the palettes but not modify them -- great for CAD managers trying to standardize things!
Now back to the bandwidth issue: I have experienced problems when trying to standardize palettes across a wide area network (WAN) connection. Simply put, if AutoCAD can't find the palettes as fast as it thinks it should due to a slow connection, you may find that corruptions can occur, especially when trying to edit the palettes. I simply don't think Autodesk has designed the palettes to be fault tolerant for very slow networks, and I understand their logic.
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In the next edition I'll provide more configuration tips and tricks that you can place in your CAD Manager's Toolbox. Until then.
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