2011

Library Search Path
The library search path specifies where the program searches for files when
you do not specify a full path name, as follows:
■ Current directory. (This is typically determined by the “Start In” setting
in your shortcut icon.)
■ Directory that contains the current drawing file.
■ Directories listed in the search path specified on the Applications tab in
OPTIONS. (See Specify Search Paths and File Locations in the User's Guide.)
■ Directory that contains the AutoCAD for Mac program files.
Depending on the current environment, two or more directories may be the
same.
If a file is not in this search path, you must specify both its path name and
file name before AutoCAD for Mac can find it. For example, if you want to
insert the part5.dwg drawing into your current drawing and it is not in the
library search path, you must specify its full path name, as shown here:
Command: insert
Enter block name or [?]: /files2/olddwgs/part5
If the drawing exists in that location, AutoCAD for Mac prompts you to finish
the INSERT command in the usual manner.
Directory Structure
AutoCAD for Mac uses tree-structured directories and subdirectories. It is
recommended that you keep supplemental files (such as AutoLISP applications
and customization files) separate from the AutoCAD for Mac program and
support files. This makes it easier to track possible conflicts and to upgrade
each application without affecting the others.
The default location for AutoCAD for Mac is in the Applications folder. You
can create a new directory on the same level (for example, /AcadApps) and
store your custom AutoLISP and ObjectARX application files, custom linetypes
and hatch pattern files, and other third-party applications in subdirectories
on the next level. If you want to maintain multiple drawing directories (for
separate job files), you can create a directory such as /AcadJobs with
subdirectories for each job.
4 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization