How to Print File Path and Name in AutoCAD Drawing?

Understanding the File Path and Name in AutoCAD Drawings

Printing the file path and name in AutoCAD can significantly enhance your documentation process, allowing for better file management and referencing. Below are detailed instructions on how to achieve this in AutoCAD 2025.

Steps to Display the File Path and Name

1. Access the Options Menu:

   • Open AutoCAD 2025.
   • Click on the Application menu (the big ‘A’ in the top-left corner).
   • Select Options from the dropdown menu.

2. Navigate to the Open and Save Tab:

   • In the Options dialog box, find the Open and Save tab listed in the left sidebar.
   • Look for a section labeled File Open at the top.

3. Enable the Full Path Display:

   • Within the File Open section, locate the checkbox titled Display full path in title.
   • Check this box to ensure that AutoCAD displays the complete file path and name in the title bar of your drawing.
4. Apply and Close:
   • Click OK at the bottom of the Options dialog to apply your changes and close the window.

Printing the File Path and Name

Once the full path is displayed in the title bar, you can include this information when printing the drawing. To ensure that the file path appears on your printed output, follow these steps:

1. Set Up the Layout:

   • Select a layout by clicking on the Layout tab (Layout1, Layout2, etc.) at the bottom of the AutoCAD window.

2. Insert a Text Object:

   • Use the Text command (TEXT or MTEXT) to create a text box on your layout.
   • In the text editor, type the command $(getvar, "DWGNAME") to automatically fetch the drawing name, and $(getvar, "DWGPREFIX") to get the file path.

3. Position the Text:

   • Place the text box in a suitable location on your layout so that it’s clearly visible when printed.

4. Preview Before Printing:

   • Go to the Output tab and select Plot to open the plot settings.
   • Use the Preview option to check how your drawing will appear once printed, ensuring the file path and name are correctly positioned.
5. Print Your Drawing:
   • Once satisfied with the preview, proceed with printing by selecting the printer and any other print options you require. Click OK to confirm and print the drawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I customize the text formatting for the file path and name in AutoCAD?

   • Yes, you can customize the formatting of the text object where the file path and name are displayed. Use the text formatting options available in the text editor to adjust font, size, color, and alignment.

2. What should I do if the file path isn’t displaying correctly?

   • Ensure that the commands $(getvar, "DWGNAME") and $(getvar, "DWGPREFIX") are entered correctly within the text object. Check for any typographical errors or formatting issues.
3. Is it possible to save these settings for future use?
   • Yes, once you’ve configured your layout and options to display the file path and name correctly, you can save your drawing template (DWT) file. This will allow you to use the same settings in future projects by starting with your custom template.