Hi Paul,

Can you use the OpenDwg ActiveX Control on DWG files, even if you only have AutoCad LT?...Do you have to Open AutoCad to change file properties or can you change file properties independently of AutoCad?


Marshal



>Marshal,
>I am starting work on this now (using VFP8) and I recommend you go to www.opendwg.org and fill out an application to get their free ActiveX control (free if you are using it for internal use only and not intending to redistribute the ActiveX). Otherwise they have various membership levels from $1000/yr and up depending how many units you plan on selling, etc.
>The Open DWG Alliance "reverse-engineered" AutoDesk's spec and rolled their own tools to read/write/manipulate DWG/DXF files. Many many 3rd party products are based on this code, so you are not alone. Docs on the ActiveX are limited - but they claim 99% compatibility with AutoCAD's VBA API, so if you can get your hands on Autodesk's API docs you're in good shape. They have a good discussion forum for support.
>AFAIK, Autodesk cripples the lower end products so there is no API exposed for automation - they force you to go into the $3000 and up price level (PER SEAT) if you want to "automate" No, you can't get away using a "cheap" copy of LT for $600, LOL...
>I only have one problem so far, and that's passing x,y,z coordinates in an array to the ActiveX control. Sounds like that may not matter to you. Hopefully with that solved, I am 100% in good shape.
>
>-- Paul