Using netwworked alias/shortcut for templates etc.

[Christiaan]

We're about to test using alias' (Windows = shortcuts) to centralise some of the resources in the Vectorworks application folder onto our local server.

The first thing we're going to try is the Templates folder, by putting one on the server and then creating an alias of it which we will use to replace the Templates folder in each copy of Vectorworks we have running.

If this goes okay we might also look at expanding this concept by centralising the Libraries, Plugins and Workspaces folders as well.

Does anyone have much experience with this (especially if using Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server) and do you have any advice?

And does NNA have any official advice with regard to this? Does it advise against it for some reason maybe?

Thanks.

[Christiaan]

Using a alias for the Templates folder and choosing New from the file menu results a new file (blank file) being opened straight away instead of being presented with the "Create Document" dialogue (which allows you to choose a template file).

If instead you leave the folder alone and create an alias' for each template file when you then choose New from the file menu you get the "Create Document" dialogue box and you're presented with the template files (you're also presented with two "Default.sta" files), but if you choose any of the aliased template files you get a dialogue box saying 'This file was created with an older version, it will be renamed' etc. and then if you click on okay you "Failed on attempt to open file" message.

I've obviously got issues with how Vectorworks perceives file names and/or permissions issues. Can anyone give me some pointers on how I might overcome this.

(Running Mac OS X Server 10.4.5)

[PeterT]

The Templates folder loads when you launch Vectorworks. Your Templates folder can be an alias and VectorWorks will see the files inside just fine.

The trick is, if the original to your folder alias is on the server, you must mount the server prior to launching Vectorworks or Vectorworks will not see the folder alias.

If you have lost the connection to your server, or changed the templates folder during the VectorWorks session just quit and relaunch VectorWorks while connected to the server and the files in the alias Templates folder will become available again.

[Christiaan]

Bingo. Thanks Peter, much appreciated.