Can a project (schematic sheets, pcb layouts) be copied without losing associations?

Question

I learned quickly that copying a layout and pasting onto a new pcb does not work. While the layout placement and routing is intact, all net names are lost, hence vias no longer tie into planes, etc.

This question has been posted before without a good resolution.

Can anyone suggest a workable method?

bills_alsentis · Accepted Answer

nhee,

Sounds like you are trying to Up Rev a project or copy a project for use as a jump start for another project.

Here is my Up Rev process:

Project Up Rev:
- In CS, open project to up rev
  - File > Save Project As
    - Create new folder with new rev, rename the project file to new rev, and save in the new rev project folder
- In Windows File Explorer:
  - Copy all .SchDoc & CSPcbDoc files from the old project folder into the new rev project folder
  - Rename the files to the new rev

- In CS, open the new rev project
  - Right click and Remove from Project all previous rev design files
  - Right click Remove from Project all Generated files from previous rev
  - Right click on Project and Add Existing to Project
    - Select all new rev design files
  - File > Save All

This process is a little tedious, but it works for me....

Hope this helps,

Bill