ATTACHURL Command In AutoCAD : Attaches Hyperlinks To Objects Or Areas In A Drawing

If you need to attach web links to objects in your drawing, this guide explains the ATTACHURL command in AutoCAD, how to use it step‑by‑step, common problems and fixes, useful alternatives, and practical tips to make hyperlinks reliable and portable.

Table of Contents

What is the ATTACHURL command?

The ATTACHURL command lets you attach a URL (web link) or a file path to an object or an area inside an AutoCAD drawing. The attached hyperlink becomes part of the object’s metadata so users can open the link from the drawing. This is useful for linking to:

project web pages or online document repositories
specification PDFs or product pages
drawings stored in a document management system

Note: Some AutoCAD installations expose this functionality through the built‑in Hyperlink tools (command HYPERLINK) or via the Properties palette. The exact command name and availability can vary by AutoCAD version or additional toolsets (Express Tools, verticals like Civil 3D).

Quick overview — when to use ATTACHURL

When you want a clickable link attached to an object (line, block, hatch, text, etc.).
When you need to document references or link to external resources directly from the drawing.
When you want metadata that travels with the DWG (subject to how you export/plot).

How to use ATTACHURL — step by step

Below is a clear, beginner‑friendly procedure. If your version doesn’t accept the ATTACHURL command, use the HYPERLINK command or the Properties palette method (see Alternatives).

Open your drawing in AutoCAD.
At the command line type ATTACHURL and press Enter. (If the command isn’t found, try HYPERLINK.)
AutoCAD will prompt you to select the object(s) you want to attach the URL to. Click the object(s) and press Enter.
A dialog appears where you can enter the URL (for example: https://example.com/specs.pdf) or a local file path (C:\Folder\file.pdf).
- Always include the protocol (http:// or https://) for web links.
Optionally enter a description or tooltip — this text helps users identify the link without opening it.
Confirm and save the link. The hyperlink is now attached to the selected object(s).
To open the link: select the object, then right‑click and choose Open Hyperlink (or follow your version’s method to open hyperlinks). Some versions allow Ctrl+click or Shift+click — check your AutoCAD settings.

Quick shortcut: type HYPERLINK to add or edit hyperlinks if ATTACHURL isn’t available.

Editing and removing URLs

To edit: select the object → right‑click → choose Hyperlink or Edit Hyperlink, or run HYPERLINK and choose the object.
To remove: select the object → right‑click → choose Remove Hyperlink, or remove it in the Properties palette under Hyperlink.
You can attach multiple hyperlinks to one object (dependent on version). Check the hyperlink list in the Properties palette.

Alternatives to ATTACHURL

HYPERLINK command: Built‑in and widely available in many AutoCAD versions. Use when ATTACHURL is not present.
Properties palette: Select an object → open Properties → expand Hyperlink or Hyperlinks and add/edit links.
Fields: Use a hyperlink field inside MText or Attributes when you want dynamic or data‑linked links.
Blocks/Attributes: Store URLs as Block attributes for blocks that carry link information; use routines or scripts to open them.
PDF export with links: When publishing to PDF, enable “Include hyperlink” (if supported by your PDF plotter) so links become clickable in the PDF.
XREFs and sheet index: For document management, link a sheet‑index or external system rather than individual objects.

Why ATTACHURL sometimes doesn’t work — common causes & fixes

Command not found
- Cause: Your AutoCAD version or installation doesn’t include the ATTACHURL Express Tool.
- Fix: Use HYPERLINK or add links through the Properties palette. Install Express Tools if required.
Object type not supporting hyperlinks
- Cause: Some proxy or special objects may not accept hyperlinks.
- Fix: Convert to a supported object (e.g., explode or copy geometry to a standard object) or attach the link to an adjacent supported object.
Layer or drawing is locked / read‑only
- Cause: You cannot edit object metadata on locked or read‑only layers/drawings.
- Fix: Unlock the layer or save the file with write permissions.
URL blocked or not opening
- Cause: Missing protocol (e.g., typing www.example.com without https://), firewall or security settings, or default browser issues.
- Fix: Always include http:// or https://. Verify company security policies and that a default browser is configured.
Company security or AutoCAD settings block external links
- Cause: System policies or AutoCAD security prompts can prevent auto‑opening.
- Fix: Adjust AutoCAD security settings: Options → System / Files / Security settings (varies by version). Consult IT for company policy changes.
Hyperlinks lost when exporting/plotting
- Cause: PDF or DWF plotter drivers may not include hyperlinks by default.
- Fix: Use a PDF driver that supports embedding hyperlinks and enable the “Include Hyperlinks” or “Export clickable links” option in the Plot/Export dialog.
Long or malformed URLs
- Cause: Very long URLs or illegal characters can cause failures.
- Fix: Use a shortened or clean URL, or link to an intermediary page.
Opening the link does nothing
- Cause: The client machine blocks external applications from being launched or the default browser is misconfigured.
- Fix: Ensure the OS has a default browser and AutoCAD is permitted to open external URLs.

Practical tips for reliable hyperlinks in AutoCAD

Always include the full protocol: https://.
Use short, stable URLs or permanent document locations (avoid temp links).
Keep a link list in the drawing’s sheet index or a legend for quick access and maintenance.
When sharing DWGs, be aware that relative file paths or network paths may break; prefer absolute URLs or coordinated relative paths with the team.
Before publishing PDFs, test that your plotter/Export settings preserve hyperlinks.
Use meaningful descriptions for hyperlinks (tooltip text) so users know what they will open.
If distributing drawings externally, check company policy about embedding external links.

Hints for automation and bulk edits

Use LISP or scripts to scan objects and add/edit hyperlinks in bulk when you have many links to apply.
Export hyperlink data (via data extraction) to Excel for review, then reimport or use scripts to update.
For repeated projects, create a block with an attribute that stores the URL so you can update the source block once.

FAQ — Is ATTACHURL available in all AutoCAD versions?

Not always. Some versions (or installations without Express Tools) may not provide the ATTACHURL command. Use the HYPERLINK command or the Properties palette to add hyperlinks instead.

FAQ — How do I open a hyperlink from a drawing?

Select the object, right‑click and choose Open Hyperlink (or Hyperlink → Open). Some versions support Ctrl/Shift + click — check your version’s behavior.

FAQ — Will hyperlinks remain functional when I Export to PDF?

Only if your PDF driver supports embedding hyperlinks and you enable that option in the Plot/Export dialog. Test with your chosen PDF printer and settings.

FAQ — Can I attach a hyperlink to a block reference so it travels with the block?

Yes. Attach the hyperlink to the block reference. For reusable workflows, consider adding a block attribute to store the URL.

FAQ — How do I remove or list all hyperlinks in a drawing?

Edit the object’s Hyperlink entry in the Properties palette to remove it. For a global list or bulk removal, use a script/LISP or a data extraction process to identify and modify hyperlink data.

FAQ — Why does AutoCAD warn me before opening a hyperlink?

AutoCAD (and your OS) can warn for security reasons to prevent unwanted external calls. This is normal; confirm that the link is safe before opening.