Open Autocad to a specific folder

[albertstraniti]

Is there a way to create a shortcut on a users desktop that will open Autocad and have the startup dialog box show a specified folder?

[crystalp]

I don't know if it's possible to do what you are asking, but this might be a suitable work-around:

You can make AutoCAD start up automatically by doing these steps:
Documents & Settings > Username > Start Menu > Programs > Startup - File > New > Shortcut. Browse to the .exe file you want to run and follow the wizard through.

Then, once AutoCAD is open, you can have them type in CTRL-O or Open, and you will get a Dialog Box that will let you browse for drawings. In the Left hand side of the dialog box you will see links to your desktop and your documents, etc. You can add specific folders to this area by right clicking in the open space and choosing "add", or you can browse to the folder you want them to work out of and drag and drop it into that area. These "shortcuts" are saved, so the next time they go into AutoCAD they will still be there. They can be added or removed at will and are very handy if you have long file paths you don't want to be browsing to all the time.

I hope this helps!

[jaberwok]

Right-click the existing acad desktop icon, select Properties. Put the path to your desired folder in the "start in" box. In acad, set the variable REMEMBERFOLDERS to 0.

You might want to make a copy of the existing acad desktop icon to work on.

[Robert.Hall]

Another useful trick is to map an available drive letter to a specific network folder.

I have P: going to engineering/cad dwgs/

[Spenner]

I have a folder on my desktop called 'Jobs' which has a shortcut to every project I am currently working on. Then I have added the folder to the folders tab as shown on attached image.

[CadDog]

There is more than one way to skin a cat...

Placing the path within the icon like "jaberwok" denotes was the way we did it here years ago. While this works great your desktop will get full very fast...

I sure that the another ways work just as good but let's move on...

The new way we do it at my company is by using AutoCAD's Sheet Set Manager.

Not only are you able to access the directories you want but other working with you can using too...
We also include the xref to the manager so you also know which xref to work on...

KISS...

Hope this helps...

Here is a small sample:
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