Drawing Walk - a drawing browser CUI application

[zoomharis]

I have been using this program for a while. Now it has got matured a bit. So I thought I would share it with you people. You can use this program to browse through drawings kept in the same folder (irrespective of filenames) move forward, backward or jump to a specefic drawing in the folder. It has saved me hours as I usually work with hundreds of sheets in the same folder.

I have used VBA for programming. Everything other than the start and stop icons were created in AutoCAD. You can see detailed explanation of installation in the Readme.htm file. Please give me feedback here in case you come across an error or you would like to see the program modified. I will be really thankful to you.

Happy CADDing....!!!

[robert.1.hall72202]

The idea you have behind this routine is great.
I cannot think of a time that I would use this routine, but
I will keep a copy around.

This would be even better if it worked with any file in
a folder, not just drawings. I could see myself surfting
through dwf and pdf files.

[Mr Cory]

Its a great idea especially for ppl not using the PN but the only problem is that you can only have one drawing open @ a time and if you havnt saved then your outa luck. Could be very useful i think

[zoomharis]

The idea you have behind this routine is great.
I cannot think of a time that I would use this routine, but
I will keep a copy around.

I would be really happy if you try it and give me a feedback (As you always do).

This would be even better if it worked with any file in
a folder, not just drawings. I could see myself surfting
through dwf and pdf files.

I have another one for browsing through Raster Images. But haven't thought about DWF and PDF files. I shall check out the possibilities and let you know.

Its a great idea especially for ppl not using the PN but the only problem is that you can only have one drawing open @ a time and if you havnt saved then your outa luck. Could be very useful i think

If you want to use the program in drawings opened from multiple folders, Just click on 'Start Drawing Walk' button each time you switch drawings (ie When you switch to another folder). Regarding the SAVE issue, I have deliberately avoided it as I don't want to save the drawings when I just check the drawings. If you want that option, it's a matter of only a few charecters addition.

Thank you both for your valuable feedback.

[Mr Cory]

If you want to use the program in drawings opened from multiple folders, Just click on 'Start Drawing Walk' button each time you switch drawings (ie When you switch to another folder).

I was thinking about ones in the same folder

What would need to be added and where?

[zoomharis]

I was thinking about ones in the same folder

What would need to be added and where?

For saving your drawing while browsing, change this code in the DwgWalk Sub

  Application.ActiveDocument.Close False

to

Application.ActiveDocument.Close True

Regarding the browsed drawings to be kept open, comment the above line.

  'Application.ActiveDocument.Close False

But I don't suggest that as managing the drawings will become complicated. If you want to open a specefic drawing, you can use Jump To Drawing (JumpToIdx command).So you don't have to worry about keeping them open.

[Mr Cory]

I just thought that leaving the drawing open, if you are referring between two drawings it would save alot of time not having to wait for each drawing to save and then open the other.

Cheers for that! O what file do i need to change those lines in? If its the VBA, what program to i open it in etc?

[zoomharis]

Cheers for that! O what file do i need to change those lines in? If its the VBA, what program to i open it in etc?

If the program is already loaded, the press ALT+F11 inside AutoCAD (or goto Tools-->Macros-->Visaul Basic Editor) to open VBE. There under Project Explorer window, double click on DwgWalkMod module inside the modules folder. There you can view/alter the code.

[Mr Cory]

I see what you mean by complicated, It starts opening the drawings as read-only. Cheers for your time

[zoomharis]

I see what you mean by complicated, It starts opening the drawings as read-only.

Not only that. With too many drawings open, it's really tough to goto a specific drawing. May be we can provide an option to prompt the user before closing it.