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Opening a Drawing

You can open drawings stored on your computer or within a network.

In a network environment, multiple users can try access drawings at any time. However, only one user can edit a drawing at a time. When you try to open a drawing, the software automatically checks if the drawings are edited by another user and lets you access the drawing in read-only mode.

Note: If you try to save a read-only file, you need to save the file under another name.

To open a drawing:

  1. Click File > Open (or type Open).
  2. In Files of type, select a file type.
  3. In Look in, navigate to your drawing.
  4. Select a drawing.

    The Preview area presents a thumbnail of the selected drawing, although not all file formats provide previews.

  5. Click Open to load the drawing.

    If another user is editing the drawing, a message appears. Click Yes to open the file without modifying it.

To open a drawing in read-only mode:

  1. Click File > Open (or type Open).
  2. In Files of type, select a file type.
  3. In Look in, navigate to your drawing.
  4. Select a drawing.

    The Preview area presents a thumbnail of the selected drawing, although not all file formats provide previews.

  5. Click Open to load the drawing.
  6. Click the arrow Right arrow next to Open the and click Open Read-Only to open the file without modifying it.

Drag a drawing from Windows Explorer and drop it in the application window, anywhere outside the graphics area.

  1. Click File > Open (or type Open).
  2. In Files of type, select a file type.
  3. In Look in, navigate to your drawing.
  4. Select a drawing.

    The Preview area presents a thumbnail of the selected drawing, although not all file formats provide previews.

  5. Click Open to load the drawing or click Right arrow and click Open Read-Only to open the file without modifying it.

    If another user is editing the drawing, a message appears. Click Yes to open the file without modifying it.

  1. Click File > Open (or type Open).
  2. Select a drawing.
  3. Click Open to load the drawing or select Open Read-Only from the Open mode list to open the file without modifying it.

    If another user is editing the drawing, a message appears. Click Yes to open the file without modifying it.

Access

Command: Open

Menu: File > Open

Keyboard Shortcut: Ctrl + O

Keyboard Shortcut: Command + O

Related Topics

Starting a New Drawing

Saving a Drawing

Renaming a Drawing

Saving All Open Drawings

Closing a Drawing



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