AutoCAD Tip: Configure AutoCAD Trusted Locations to Secure Custom Tools and Eliminate Load Prompts

Reduce interruptions and keep security tight by configuring Trusted Locations in AutoCAD.

Why it matters

• Stops repetitive “Do you want to load this?” prompts for known-good tools.
• Prevents unknown or malicious code from loading outside approved folders.
• Keeps startup clean when loading LISP/FAS/VLX, ARX, .NET, and VBA files.

Set it up (1–2 minutes)

1. Open Options (right-click the command line or type OPTIONS) and go to the Files tab.
2. Expand “Trusted Locations” and click Add.
3. Point to your vetted folders, for example:
   • Network share: \\Server\CAD\Apps\
   • Company data: %PROGRAMDATA%\Company\AutoCAD\
   • User tools: %APPDATA%\Company\AutoCAD\Tools\
4. Click Apply/OK.

Control the behavior with system variables

• SECURELOAD:
  • 0 = Off (not recommended)
  • 1 = Warn when loading from outside Trusted Locations
  • 2 = Block loading from outside Trusted Locations
• TRUSTEDPATHS: Semicolon-delimited list of your trusted folders (manages the same list shown in Options).
• TRUSTEDDOMAINS: Domains allowed to load web-hosted executables (use only if you intentionally load from the web).

Smart practices for CAD managers

• Keep the list lean. Add only folders that contain vetted executables. Never trust Downloads, Desktop, or Temp.
• Centralize custom tools (LISP/ARX/.NET) in a read-only network share; add that share to Trusted Locations and to Support File Search Path.
• Prefer UNC paths (\\Server\Share\…) over mapped letters to avoid per-user drive letter issues.
• Use environment variables (%PROGRAMDATA%, %APPDATA%) for paths that must work across Windows profiles.
• Pair with digitally signed apps when available for an extra layer of verification.

Team deployment

• Standardize via company profiles (.ARG) or a startup script that sets TRUSTEDPATHS and SECURELOAD.
• Document the approved folder structure and ownership; make trusted folders read-only for general users.

Troubleshooting prompts

• If warnings persist, confirm the actual path of the file being loaded (check the command line history). The path must match one of your trusted entries exactly.
• Remove duplicates and trailing semicolons in TRUSTEDPATHS.
• Ensure the file isn’t being copied to a per-project folder that isn’t trusted.
• Set SECURELOAD to 1 for visibility during rollout; move to 2 once all tools are in trusted folders.

Pro tip

• Combine Trusted Locations with the AppLoad “Startup Suite” so your LISP and ARX modules load silently and securely from a single, approved directory.

Need guidance on best-practice setup, licensing, or add-ons? Consult the experts at NOVEDGE. Explore AutoCAD solutions, plugins, and deployment advice directly from NOVEDGE to keep your environment fast, consistent, and secure.

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