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DWG Path Starts with Autodesk

This rule checks whether linked DWG files are correctly shared and accessible via the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) platform.

⚠️ DWG files with paths that do not start with Autodesk Docs:// may not be accessible to other collaborators in a cloud-based project environment.

What Is Checked

DAQS inspects the file path of each linked DWG. It flags DWG links where:

  • The file path does not begin with Autodesk Docs://
  • The file has been linked from a local drive, network location, or non-ACC path

Manage links

Why This Matters

In cloud-based projects using Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) or BIM Collaborate Pro, all team members rely on shared cloud-hosted files. If DWGs are linked from:

  • Local desktop paths (e.g., C:\Users\...)
  • Internal company servers (e.g., \\server\dwg)
  • Temporary folders or non-cloud locations

...then other team members will not be able to view or resolve the link.

Risks of Incorrect DWG Linking

  • ❌ Broken references for other users
  • ❌ Failed views or annotations that depend on DWG backgrounds
  • ❌ Inconsistent documentation across disciplines
  • ❌ Coordination errors and missed changes

How to Fix

  1. Identify DWGs flagged by this rule in the Manage Links dialog:
  2. Go to Insert → Manage Links → CAD Formats

  3. Check the Path Type and Saved Path columns

  4. If the path does not begin with Autodesk Docs://:

  5. Remove the link

  6. Upload the DWG file to your Autodesk Docs project folder via ACC

  7. In Revit, re-link the DWG:

  8. Use Insert → Link CAD
  9. Browse to the DWG file from the Autodesk Docs cloud folder
  10. Confirm that the path now starts with Autodesk Docs://

Best Practice

  • Upload all reference DWGs to Autodesk Docs and link from there.
  • Avoid linking from local folders, BIM 360 folders, or mapped drives in cloud workflows.
  • Coordinate with the BIM coordinator to ensure a consistent location for all shared DWG files.

🛠 Want to automate DWG link checks across your models? DAQS can scan all linked files and report which are not hosted in ACC.