AutoCAD LT 2009 - Open in Quick View by Default

Hi,

I'm a LT 2009 user. Recently had to install AutoCAD 2004 as well so I now have both versions on my computer. Using the "Open With..." option in Windows Explorer, I selected LT 2009 to be the default application to open CAD files with.

Previously when I opened multiple drawings with only LT 2009 installed, they would all be opened in Quick View by default. However, after I performed the above, multiple drawings will be opened in individual LT 2009 windows instead.

I would like to open multiple drawings on LT 2009 in Quick View as default. How can I do this?

Thanx for all the advice.

qvdrawing?

Previously when I double click on several .dwg files, all these files are opened in the same LT window. I will use Quick View to toggle between the drawings.

But now when I click on several .dwg files, they are opened in separate LT windows. I will need to switch windows to toggle between the drawings.

How do I set my LT 2009 so that multiple drawings will be opened in the same LT window?

Let's recap. You want to load a single session of LT and be able to open multiple drawings in it. Right?

Check your system variable SDI setting. It should be "0".

Thanx ReMark!

I just changed the SDI to 0 but multiple files still get opened in separate windows. Is it because the setting is not saved? I restarted LT 2009 and the problem's still there.

type SDI at the command line and then enter 0 when it asks for variable value

And here I thought everyone knew how to access system variables. Thanks for the backup chelsea.

And here I thought everyone knew how to access system variables. Thanks for the backup chelsea.

Sorry for asking the obvious. Beware of beginner!! =)

Anyway I set the SDI to 0 and restarted LT but problem still persists. Any other advice pls??

not a problem, that would be something that should go in the FAQ, if its not already in there

Rayman, we got to go to plan "B".

Close AutoCAD.

In Windows Explorer click on Tools then on Folder Options. Next click on the File Types tab and pick DWG. Click on the Advanced button (lower right hand corner), highlight Open, then pick the Edit button. Check Use DDE. In the DDE Message type in open ("%1"). Click OK, then click OK at the next window, then close the last window.

Open AutoCAD.

Check it out. Now does it work the way you want?

Rayman: What's the scoop? Success? Failure?

Thanx ReMark! It worked! You're a genius!

I followed your steps to the T but there was an error message initially saying the file cannot be found. So I left the DDE Message box empty. No problems whatsoever thereafter.

Thanx for all the help. Did I mention you're a genius?

Let's not over do it OK?

You're entirely welcomed rayman. Glad to hear you got it all straightened out. Next time someone poses the same question I expect you to provide the answer.

Due to some add-ons, I'm forced to open drawings sometimes with AutoCAD 2004. After my session with 2004, I would set LT 2009 as the default programme to open .dwg files. When I do that, the whole thingamajig of multiple drawings opening in separate windows reappear. So I have to go through the steps as advised by ReMark to get multiple drawings in one LT window again.

Not too sure why this is so. Just thought I'd share my experience. I'm happy to work through the steps anyway since I don't use 2004 as often as imagined.