How to Lock AutoCAD Drawing from Editing?

To lock an AutoCAD drawing from editing using a simple method based on file properties, you can make the drawing file read-only.

Method 1: File System Read-Only Property

This method utilizes your operating system's file properties to prevent modifications to the original file. While not a secure encryption or password protection within AutoCAD itself, it serves as a basic deterrent against accidental changes or direct saving over the original file.

Here's how to apply the read-only attribute:

1. Locate the AutoCAD drawing file (.dwg) on your computer's file explorer.
2. Right-click on the file you wish to lock.
3. From the context menu that appears, select Properties. This will open the file's properties window.
4. In the Properties window, typically under the 'General' tab, find the 'Attributes' section.
5. Tick the box next to “Read-only.”
6. Click 'Apply' and then 'OK' to close the window and save the changes.

Once the file is set to read-only:

• Users will be warned that the file is read-only when they open it in AutoCAD.
• If a user makes changes to the drawing and tries to save it, they will receive a message stating that the file is write protected or similar, preventing them from saving over the original read-only file. They will typically be prompted to save the changes as a new file.

Why Use Read-Only?

Setting a file to read-only is a quick way to:

• Prevent accidental overwriting of important drawing versions.
• Indicate that a file is a final version or a template meant for viewing or saving as a copy.
• Distribute a file where the recipient should view but not modify the original.

Limitations

It's important to note that the read-only file attribute is a basic file system setting and not a robust security measure within AutoCAD. Users can easily remove the read-only attribute themselves by following the same steps above. They can also always save their changes as a new drawing file, leaving the original untouched but still allowing them to create a modified version.

For more secure methods of protecting drawing content or restricting editing features within AutoCAD, other options like using DWF/DWFx formats with permissions or converting drawing content to blocks might be considered, though these go beyond the simple file property method described here.