AutoCAD

How to Rename a Drawing in AutoCAD?

by Wei Zhang
3 min read

Steps to Rename a Drawing in AutoCAD

Accessing the Project Manager

  1. Open AutoCAD 2025 on your computer.
  2. Load your project by navigating to the Project Manager panel, typically found on the left side of the screen. If it is not visible, enable it from the View menu.

Locating the Drawing

  1. In the Project Manager, locate the specific drawing you wish to rename. Drawings are usually organized within folders; ensure you expand these folders as necessary to find your desired file.

Renaming the Drawing

  1. Using the Right-Click Method:

    • Right-click on the drawing file.
    • From the context menu that appears, select the Rename option.
    • Enter the new name for the drawing. Make sure that the name adheres to any naming conventions your project may require.
    • Press Enter to finalize the rename action.

  2. Using the Rename Button:

    • If you prefer using the toolbar, search for the Rename Drawing button in the Timeline toolbar. If it is not visible, you might need to customize the toolbar settings to display it.
    • Click the Rename Drawing button, and a dialog box will open.
    • Input the new name for the drawing and confirm by clicking OK.
  3. Using Keyboard Shortcuts:
    • For those who favor keyboard shortcuts, press Ctrl + D (for Windows/Linux) or ⌘ + D (for Mac OS X). This will initiate the renaming function.
    • Type in the new name and press Enter to save the changes.

Verifying the Rename

  1. After renaming, ensure that the drawing has been updated in the Project Manager. It should display the new name without any issues.

Common Issues When Renaming

Troubleshooting Renaming Errors

  • If you see an error message while attempting to rename, check whether the drawing file is open in another program or still connected to references that could prevent edits.
  • Verify that the new file name does not duplicate existing names within the same folder.

Updating References

  • If the drawing has linked files or references, make sure to update those links to reflect the new name. This can typically be done through the External References panel.

FAQ

1. What should I do if I can’t rename a drawing in AutoCAD?
If renaming fails, ensure that the drawing is not currently open in any session of AutoCAD and that any references to it are properly updated. You may also check for file locks or permissions issues.

2. Can I rename multiple drawings at once in AutoCAD?
AutoCAD does not have an inbuilt bulk rename feature. However, you can manually rename each drawing one at a time or utilize commands/scripts that may automate the process if you are familiar with AutoLISP or similar programming tools.

3. Is it safe to rename a drawing if it’s used in a larger project?
While renaming a drawing is generally safe, you must ensure that any references or instances of that drawing are updated accordingly. Failure to do so may result in broken links or missing files in the overall project.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.

View all posts

You may also like