AutoCAD: Special considerations
The Upchain CAD plugin for AutoCAD manages 2D and 3D designs created in AutoCAD in much the same way as other CAD designs created in Inventor or SOLIDWORKS. However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind. These differences are detailed here.
cBOM and eBOM structures
Upchain recognizes AutoCAD's native DWG file format as its cBOM. A single DWG file brought into Upchain is assigned to a single item. If the model has external references (Xrefs) the externally reference other DWG files, these are shown as child components in the cBOM and are also registered into Upchain as items. Any other Xref file types such as PDFs, images, etc. are not part of the cBOM and do not get assigned to items.
External references (Xrefs)
- Only DWG-type Xrefs are created as items in Upchain therefore only DWG Xrefs can be individually checked out and checked in.
- In order to check out or download non-DWG Xrefs, check out or download the DWG file that references the non-DWG Xref first.
Multiple AutoCAD verticals on a single device
If you have multiple AutoCAD verticals installed on your machine, launching the Upchain CAD plugin from the CAD Connector always launches the general AutoCAD vertical. The CAD Connector does not show any installed verticals.
Instead, you must open your required AutoCAD vertical from a desktop shortcut, start menu, or otherwise. The Upchain CAD plugin will already be loaded.
Command line
Do not initiate any actions in AutoCAD, including the command line functions, while Upchain is performing any of the following operations: Check in, Check out, Download or Refresh. This interferes with these operations and you will receive a busy notification.
Item attribute mappings
When setting up CAD mappings, Upchain only reads from and writes to the Custom tab of the AutoCAD properties window.