Link File Type
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Here the various link types and what application is to be used for editing a document of a particular file type can be defined. A drawing file referenced by another drawing is called an external link.  You can attach an entire drawing to the current drawing as an external reference (XREF). With XREF, changes in the referenced drawing are reflected in the current drawing. Attached XREF's  are linked,  not actually inserted in, another drawing. Here it is possible to define whether an XREF is mandatory for the linked file type.

To define a link file type

  1. On the Document Masters window select Link File Type.
  2. On the tool bar click Create.

Link File Type Details window is displayed.

Figure: Link File Type Details window

  1. Enter the extension of the new file link type. For Example: doc, txt
  2. Specify the file type. For Example: Drawing, Document etc.
  3. Specify the Associated Application. You can select an application from a drop down list. If the option Others is selected from the list, documents and drawings created in applications which are not mentioned in the list can also be handled.
  4. Select a fetch Mode. You can select between Automatic and Express modes. If the option selected is Automatic,  handling of drawings and documents other than AutoCad, Microstation, Solid Edge and Solid Works is possible.
  5. Select the checkbox next to the option "Allow Linking",  if handling of X-ref documents is to be permitted. 
  6. Select the checkbox next to the option "Xref Mandatory" if  X-ref document is  mandatory for the defined link file type. 
  7. Select the "Prompt for reference handler" option.  permits handling of X-ref documents for the defined link file type in a later stage also. 
  8. Click OK to save the link file type.

NOTE: While adding a drawing, if you have selected the "Allow Linking" option and "Xref Mandatory" option for the specified file type, then it is mandatory to link child X-ref documents to it. If the options "Allow Linking" and "Xref Mandatory" are selected, then while adding a drawing, Reference Handler window is displayed to add the Xref documents to the drawing. If the options "Allow Linking" and "Prompt for reference handler" are selected for the specified file type, then user can add and link the child X-ref documents manually on a later stage.