AutoCAD
This guide covers using AutoCAD with Desktop Connector, including integration workflows, best practices, and troubleshooting solutions.
What's New in AutoCAD 2027
For additional information about the new features in AutoCAD visit What's New in AutoCAD 2027.
Working with AutoCAD
Desktop Connector and AutoCAD 2027
- AutoCAD 2027 requires Desktop Connector v2027.0 or above.
- AutoCAD 2026 and earlier versions are compatible with Desktop Connector v2027.0.
- Connected References -- When referenced drawing files (xrefs) stored on Forma Data Management are renamed or moved, AutoCAD 2027 automatically attempts to locate them and displays a suggested path in the External References palette. You can accept the suggested path instead of manually updating each missing reference.
- Autodesk Projects -- AutoCAD 2027 now shows both the projects you are actively syncing and the projects that are available but not yet syncing, giving you better visibility into your project list.
Description attribute in the Autodesk Projects tab (Desktop Connector v2027.2 and later)
Starting with v2027.2, Desktop Connector delivers the Forma Data Management Description attribute to the Autodesk Projects tab in AutoCAD 2026, AutoCAD 2027, Civil 3D 2026, Civil 3D 2027, and other AutoCAD-based products that connect Autodesk Projects using Desktop Connector.
When you install Desktop Connector v2027.2, Description shows up as a column in App Home, which you can reorder or remove. You can also view it in the Data Panel. Description does not appear in Windows File Explorer.
Description is supported for files only — folder descriptions from Forma Data Management are not surfaced in the Autodesk Projects tab or in Desktop Connector.
Upgrading from v2027.0 or earlier
After upgrading to v2027.2, Description appears for files that sync for the first time following the upgrade. For projects that were already syncing before the upgrade, descriptions are picked up only when those files appear in a future sync — for example, when a file is modified or a new version is uploaded.
To populate Description for all existing files in a project immediately, remove the project from Desktop Connector and add it back. This triggers a full sync that fetches descriptions for every file in the project. You do not need to do this for future syncs or newly added projects.
Desktop Connector and AutoCAD 2024 and newer
- Starting with AutoCAD 2024, + verticals (Civil 3D, Plant 3D, and others), require Desktop Connector 16.x or above.
- The sign in process for Autodesk 2024 and 2025 products has changed. You may have to sign in twice depending on the version of the software you are using with Desktop Connector version. Refer to the Sign in Sign Out help page for additional information.
AutoCAD System Variables
Starting with Desktop Connector 16.0.x the following AutoCAD system variables behavior has changed. Refer to the Civil 3D help topics for more detail.
Best Practices
Recommended Settings for backup (.bak) files
Starting in AutoCAD 2022, AutoCAD will recognize that Desktop Connector is being used and backup (.bak) files will not be created in the cloud.
Note:By default, AutoCAD creates a backup file (.bak), and it will be saved on your local connected drive. However, these backup files are blocked and are not synchronized or uploaded to the cloud workspace.
The AutoCAD system variable DCDOCSSUPPORT is available to control backup (.bak) file creation. It is important for you to note that the behavior of this variable can vary across different versions of AutoCAD and is explained by the following statements.
DCDOCSSUPPORT:AutoCAD 2022:
DCDOCSSUPPORT <63>Do not create backup (.bak) files in the DC workspace.AutoCAD 2023 and above:
DCDOCSSUPPORT <59>Create backup (.bak) files in the DC Workspace.- In AutoCAD 2023 this setting is not working as expected. Backup files (.bak) will be created no matter what the user selects.
AutoCAD 2024 and 2025: This setting has been resolved and will work as expected.
If you do not want backup files (.bak) created in the Desktop Connector workspace but still want backup (.bak) files to be created, then we recommend using the MOVEBAK command.
Troubleshooting
Undesired files
- Beginning in AutoCAD 2022.1, opening files from the Desktop Connector workspace may cause an extra Checking for Latest Version dialog to show once the file is opened.
- The dialog is only showing because of calls made during the Xref Compare feature and not a sign of more changes to the file. If you wish to avoid seeing the extra dialog, the work-around is to disable the Xref Compare feature using the SYSVDLG command in AutoCAD and set the XCOMPAREENABLE value to 0.
Sheet Set (DST) error
- Sometimes opening a Sheet Set (DST) from the recently used list in the software home view may result in an error Sheet Set file is not valid. This typically happens when the file attempted to open and is either corrupt or no longer on disk.
- When this happens, manually sync the file (by right-click in File Explorer and select Sync or Always keep on this device) and try again.
Backup (.bak) files read-only or corrupt
The AutoCAD .bak (backup file) sometimes becomes read-only or corrupt in the workspace.
This can result in the Drawing file is write protected error to display blocking save to an AutoCAD .dwg, or the file is not saved and a .tmp file is generated instead.
Deleting the .bak file from the workspace allows the .dwg to the saved. A work-around for this issue is to use the MOVEBAK command to change the storage location for .bak files outside the Desktop Connector workspace.
- For example you could set the folder to
C:\Temp\BAKfiles.
- For example you could set the folder to
AutoCAD Xrefs not found
- AutoCAD 2027 and later: The Connected References feature automatically locates missing xrefs when files have been moved or renamed in the cloud and suggests updated paths. See Desktop Connector and AutoCAD 2027 for details.
- AutoCAD 2026 and earlier: When opening an AutoCAD data set with the Desktop Connector, some Xrefs may not be found even though they exist on disk at the referenced location. Close AutoCAD and move the files that weren't found to a shorter path. The files will then be found when reopening the data set.
Material texture references
- When dwgs that have material texture image references are uploaded to the cloud, Desktop Connector will not upload those material texture references. The Large Model View (LMV) generated for cloud viewing will not display the material texture.
DWG files become read-only after saving (Plugin interference)
Issue: After making edits and saving a DWG file in AutoCAD or Civil 3D, the file becomes read-only. Desktop Connector uploads the changes, but the Forma lock is removed and the file displays as read-only, requiring users to close and reopen the file to make further edits.
Cause: Third-party plugins or add-ins can interfere with the drawing save process. A known example is the Import/Export Surface Analysis plugin.
Troubleshooting Steps:
Test in Safe Mode: Start AutoCAD or Civil 3D using the
/safemodeswitch. This loads the application without any plugins. Test your workflow to see if the issue persists. Learn more about How to start an AutoCAD Product with a minimum of plug-ins or add-ons.Identify Problematic Plugins: If the issue doesn't occur in safe mode, gradually identify which plugin is causing the problem by moving suspected plugins out of the following folders and restarting AutoCAD/Civil 3D:
%APPDATA%\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins%ProgramFiles%\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins%ProgramData%\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins
Test and Restore: After moving plugins, test the workflow again. If the issue is resolved, the last moved plugin was likely the cause. Remember to return non-problematic plugins to their original locations.
Related Concepts: