Moving Civil 3D project files, directories, and data shortcuts

Last updated: 2015-04-17

This process describes the process for transferring Civil 3D Project files, directories and Data Shortcuts. This example shows the transfer of an entire Civil 3D project from a local drive to a network drive.
  1. Create a top level project folder on the network drive.
    1. For example... N:\PDS\C3D\<network project folder>
  2. Browse to the local folder of the project you wish to copy.
    1. For example... C:\Civil 3D Projects\<local project folder>
  3. Copy the entire contents of <local project folder> to <network project folder>.

The Data Shortcuts Editor is used to re-path Civil 3D data shortcuts from one location to another location.

  1. Open Data Shortcuts Editor
    • Start Menu > All Programs > Autodesk > Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D 2014 > Data Shortcuts Editor

  2. Browse to N:\PDS\C3D\<network project folder>

Info: Select the folder above the _Shortcuts folder

  1. View the data shortcuts in the Editor window. You will notice the path is pointing to the original location of the files. Take note of this folder path only up to and including the project number.

  2. Select Find and Replace... from the Edit menu

  3. Enter the <old folder path> in Find: and the <new folder path> in Replace with:
Note: Only enter the part of the path up to and including the project number
  1. Click Replace All

  2. Verify the New path is correct in the Editor window and click the Save button.

Info: You must click the "Save" button before exiting the Data Shortcuts Editor or you will lose any changes made.

  1. Exit the Data Shortcuts Editor.
  1. Reset shortcut history and folders to allow Civil 3D to recognize the new project location.
  2. Browse to:  N:\PDS\C3D\<network project folder>\_Shortcuts\
  3. Delete the file ShortcutsHistory.xml
  4. Browse to:  C:\Users\<your username>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\C3D 2014\enu\Project Management\
  5. Delete the files ShortcutFolders.xml and WorkingFolders.xml
  6. Open Civil 3D
  7. Right-click on Data Shortcuts in the Prospector and select Set Working Folder...

  8. Browse to: N:\PDS\C3D\

Info: Select the folder above the <network project folder>

  1. Right-click on Data Shortcuts in the Prospector and select Set Data Shortcuts Project Folder...

  2. Select the newly transferred <network project folder>.
  3. Continue working in the project or exit Civil 3D.