Using Pack and Go! Now from Autodesk Vault

“I do sense an extra zip,”
Wendell Phillips

In last week's blog post, I showed how Pack and Go could be used from within Autodesk Inventor.  But what if we're using Autodesk Vault?

It's got a Pack and Go too, and it has a few extra options that aren't found in the Autodesk Vault version.

For this example, I'll use the same jig I used last week.

To begin, how does one access Pack and  Go in Vault?

• First, I choose the assembly to pack up, and go to the File>Pack and Go Pulldown.    

Starting the Pack and Go

• This will bring up the dialog box with the options I can choose from. 

The Pack and Go dialog box

• There are several options I can choose from.  I'll briefly mention each, and tell you which I prefer.  Naturally, your options may vary.  It all depends on what you like, and what you're trying to accomplish. 

What format do you want?

• First is the Package Type, where I can choose from the following options

• Zip file (my preference): Places all the files in a zipped file in a location I choose
• Unzipped: Places all the files in a location I choose, in an unzipped format
• DWFx Package: Places visualization files in a DWFx format in a folder I choose
• DWF Package: Places visualization files in a DWF format in a folder I choose

• Recall that Vault remembers versions of the files placed there.  The Pack and Go tool allows me to choose which version to use.  I'm usually sending out the latest file.

What version do you want?

• Next is the "Send to" option.  Where do I want to send the files?

Where do you want your files sent?

• Destination folder: Places the files in a folder I choose
• Mail recipient: Opens up my email program to send the files out.  If you choose this option, make sure the collected files aren't so big, your e-mail system can't send them!  This size varies from mail system to mail system! 

• The next option is output structure.  It defines how the folders of the files is configured. 

How do you want your files delivered?

• Single Path: Condenses all the files into a single path.  I like this option when I'm not using zipped files. 
• Keep Folder Hierarchy: Maintains the Vault folder structure in the exported files.

• The next option is a preview option.  The indicated icons let me choose between viewing via the folder structure (left), or list view (right).  I prefer list, but which you choose is up to you!

The Preview options

• The next icon indicated at the bottom of the dialog allows for the fine tuning of the files.  I can choose to include dependents (clicked), or exclude them (unclicked).  The preview will show what files are exported.  I prefer to include dependents.

• The final icon is for settings.  This option brings up a second dialog box that allows me to find tune my Pack and Go options. 

• The screen capture shows my preferences.  But here is a quick summary of what I prefer. 
• Include Dependents: This is actually the same setting as above.  It chooses whether or not dependent files are included. 
• Include Attachments: This includes any files attached using Vault's "Attach" tool
• Include Library Files: Includes any files placed in a library folder
•  Include dependent files:  This includes any files that depend on the files I've selected for Pack and Go.  This can include drawings, so select this one carefully!  I keep this checked. 
• Include Visualization Files: Includes visualization files in a dwf or dwfx format
• Exclude Visualization Files: Excludes any visualization files (this is my usual preference)
• Visualization Files Only: Exports visualization files only, and excludes the model files. 

So there it is!  Autodesk Vault's Pack and Go in a big nutshell.  There are a lot of options, so I hope this helps out.  This can be a great tool for sending files to vendors or contractors, and can even be a way of archiving files. 

Take a look and see how it might help you! 

And as always, check out the video below!