What Is AutoCAD Proxy Entity?

Understanding AutoCAD Proxy Entities

AutoCAD proxy entities are specialized objects that represent custom features created by ObjectARX applications. These entities come into play when AutoCAD cannot access the original application that generated the custom object, often because the application is not installed or available in the current working environment. When this occurs, AutoCAD substitutes the custom object with a proxy entity, allowing users to still view and manipulate their drawings without the original object’s full functionality.

What are Proxy Entities?

Proxy entities are temporary representations of complex objects that originate from third-party applications, often tailored for specific industries such as architecture or civil engineering. These objects maintain basic properties of the original and allow for some degree of editing and manipulation. However, they are not fully functional until the corresponding ObjectARX application is present, at which point the proxy can be replaced by the full-featured object.

Identifying Proxy Entities in AutoCAD

When working with a drawing that contains proxy entities, users may notice pop-up notifications indicating the presence of these entities. This message warns about the potential limitations in editing and interacting with the proxy objects.

To check for proxy entities within a drawing:

1. Open the drawing in AutoCAD.
2. Look for any warnings or messages that signal the presence of proxy objects.
3. You can list these objects by using the command: PROXY to view detailed information about them.

Managing Proxy Entities

For users who wish to manage the presence of proxy entities in their drawings, AutoCAD provides several options:

Turning Off Proxy Notifications

If you frequently encounter proxy notifications and are not collaborating with users of the custom applications, you can disable the notifications by adjusting the system variable:

1. Type PROXYNOTICE into the command line.
2. Set the value to 0 to suppress notifications.

Exporting for Compatibility

To eliminate proxy entities altogether when not needed, especially when transitioning drawings to other versions or users not utilizing the custom features:

1. Use the command: -EXPORTTOAUTOCAD.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to export the drawing in a format that eliminates proxy objects, converting them into standard AutoCAD entities.

Customizing Proxy Graphics

Users can choose to display proxy graphics in a way that visually represents the original geometry by following these steps:

1. Adjust your drawing to the desired view.
2. Enter the command PROXYGRAPHICS.
3. Set the option to 1 to enable proxy graphics.
4. Save your drawing to maintain the changes.

To turn off proxy graphics, simply repeat step 2 and set to 0.

Exploding Proxy Entities

For users looking to convert proxy entities into simpler AutoCAD entities:

1. Navigate to the Tools Menu.
2. Select Explode.
3. Choose the proxy entities you wish to explode.
4. Confirm the action, noting that this action cannot be undone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to proxy entities when the original application is available?
When the ObjectARX application is reinstalled or made accessible, the proxy entities can be replaced by their original counterparts. This provides full functionality for editing and working with the custom objects.

Can I create my own proxy entities in AutoCAD?
Yes, developers can create proxy entities specific to their applications using the ObjectARX programming environment. This allows customized functionality tailored to specific user needs.

Do proxy entities affect file compatibility with other CAD software?
Yes, proxy entities can lead to compatibility issues when sharing files with users who do not have access to the corresponding ObjectARX applications. It is advisable to manage or convert proxy objects before sharing drawings with external stakeholders for smooth collaboration.