TECHNICAL WHITEPAPER
AutoCAD Security Options
AutoCAD Security Options came out many years ago to give better security to
your files. However, in most cases, people are not aware these exist, what they
are, or how they work. Using these tools, you have the ability to passwordprotect a drawing. You also have the ability to assign a digital ID to a drawing
so the file is secure if anyone was to modify the file and then say it was your edit
(Using VeriSign http://www.verisign.com/products-services/index.html).
Table of Contents
■■ File Password Protection
■■ Digital Signature
File Password Protection
You can assign a password to your file so it can only be opened if you know the password. Be very careful because this information is
not tracked by anyone other than you and anyone to whom you give the password so if you forget it then it is unlikely you will be able
to open the file the again unless you or someone you know can hack a password-protected file (and in most cases this is unlikely).
How to set a password on your file:
■■ Open the file you wish to protect.
■■ Open the Options dialog (Right click on the command line and select Options, Type Options and select the <Enter> key on
your keyboard).
■■ Select the Open and Save tab on the Options dialog.
■■ In the lower left select Security Options.
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AutoCAD Security Options
2
■■ On the Security dialog under the Password tab type the password you would like to use.
■■ Once you have typed in your password you may select the Advanced Options button to select different encryption types.
■■ You may also select Encrypt Drawing Properties. Does exactly what it says, it not only makes you enter a password to open
the file but also encrypts the drawing properties.
■■ Select OK to return to the Options dialog.
■■ Select OK to return to the drawing and save the file.
■■ You now have a password-protected DWG file.
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800.356.9050
www.imaginit.com
AutoCAD Security Options
3
Digital Signature
You are able to add a Digital Signature to your drawing. This is a VeriSign http://www.verisign.com/products-services/index.html mark
on the file. It offers proof that your file is, in fact, the original or if someone has modified it and thus it no longer carries this mark.
Check with VeriSign http://www.verisign.com/products-services/index.html for more information.
How to attach the Digital Signature (This is a paid service):
■■ Open file you wish to Digitally Sign.
■■ Open the Options dialog (Right click on the command line and select Options, Type Options and select the <Enter> key on
your keyboard).
■■ Select the Open and Save tab on the Options dialog.
■■ In the lower left select Security Options.
■■ On the Security dialog under the Digital Signature tab a dialog will be displayed to assign an ID or obtain one from the
VeriSign site.
■■ Follow VeriSign instructions.
About the Author: Jeff Arbogast Senior Support Specialist
I began my career as a Designer in 1991 for Mid-States Engineering and worked on both GIS and Civil/Survey work. Then 1992 I
went to work as a Commercial Ventilation Designer for Kirk and Blum Manufacturing. I then went to work as an Application expert
for an Autodesk Software dealer in 1993. From there I worked for a variety of Autodesk providers, eventually ending with IMAGINiT
Technologies in 2000 (at the time, it was Sterling Systems). At all these companies, I was an Application Expert for all of the CAD
companies until I became the GIS/Civil Support Specialist. I have experience in all drafting disciplines
About IMAGINiT Technologies
IMAGINiT Technologies, a Rand Worldwide Company, is the world’s largest provider of enterprise solutions
to the engineering community, including the building, manufacturing, civil and mapping industries. With
over 25 years of experience, and 45 offices throughout North America, we provide the expertise, training
and support to help companies realize the full power of design technology, maximize ROI and gain
competitive advantage.
IMAGINiT is a leading provider of Autodesk software solutions and the largest North American Autodesk
Authorized Training Center (ATC) partner. All of our locations are supported by a vast pool of engineering
resources focused on developing real-life business solutions for their local clients.
[email protected]
800.356.9050
www.imaginit.com