Is there a batch convert utility that will create previews of the files?

You could do this with a script.

Try RESAVE.LSP from

If you have AutoCAD 2004 or 2005 and all you want is to insert the dwgs as blocks, right click on a folder in the Design Center, and pick "Create Tool Palette of Blocks". It will create a palette of all dwgs in the folder with a block icon for each one. The block icons are kept separate from the dwgs. If you want previews in the dwg files, you need to open and save them.

Wow !! that's exactly what I'm looking for - thank so much, I still haven't really used many of the new features yet - but this is a great one!

Now where are these icons stored - how can I transfer these to another computer - or do I have to create tool palettes for each of them?

Thanks

In ACAD 2004, palette images are kept in:

C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD

Palette descriptions are in the Palettes folder. You can export and import palettes with the Import & Export options on the customize dialog. You can have only one palette set at a time, but changing the path for them will make different sets available.