The Tasks feature, available in SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, allows users to automate frequently performed file tasks in the vault. Found in the PDM Administration tool, the Tasks option enables convert, design checker, and print tasks for use with SOLIDWORKS files as well as an API to write add-ins for customized tasks. If you ever find yourself with a Failed Task, it could be the Task script is out of date and needs to be reset.
When setting up a PDM on a client, the SOLIDWORKS PDM icon, colloquially known as the PDM Blueberry icon, is automatically placed as a hidden icon in the Windows taskbar notification area. Moving the SOLIDWORKS PDM Blueberry icon to the Windows taskbar notification area, will allow you quicker access to the SOLIDWORKS PDM help menu, notification inbox, and more.
If eDrawings is installed and starts up okay when launched (via the Start Menu) but you cannot preview files in the SOLIDWORKS PDM vault view (Figure 1), this is likely because of a disconnect between eDrawings and PDM. This guide explains how to fix all issues with PDM files not previewing in the Preview tab.
If it's necessary to have multiple versions of SOLIDWORKS installed on your computer, it can be an inconvenience if every time we double click on a SOLIDWORKS file, it is opened in the wrong version. In this article, you will learn how to change which version of SOLIDWORKS opens your files when double-clicking on them in File Explorer.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to modify the Quick Search Variable List to allow you to search for up to five variables when doing a File Explorer Quick Search in SOLIDWORKS PDM. Quick Search was introduced in SOLIDWORKS PDM 2020, more on that here, and by default, you only search for File/Folder Name.
In this tutorial, see how to create J-Slots in SOLIDWORKS on cylindrical geometries. Simulating fourth axis machining operations, we will be modeling a cutting tool and its path.
This guide will show you how to create a Lip/Groove feature in SOLIDWORKS for plastic parts. It can be created in a multi-body part or in an assembly by editing one of its components. For this example, we will create the lip/groove feature in an assembly file. To access the Lip/Groove feature go to Insert > Fastening Feature > Lip/Groove.
In SOLIDWORKS PDM 2020 and newer, users can now easily access searching functionality using keyboard shortcuts. While browsing anywhere inside the PDM Vault View (File Explorer), typing CTRL & F will take you directly to the Quick Search. In case you missed it, Quick Search is one of the new search enhancements in SOLIDWORKS PDM 2020.
In SOLIDWORKS, the Path Mate is useful when trying to constrain a selected point on an assembly component to a path. It offers control over the pitch, yaw, and roll of the component as it treks through the path. In SOLIDWORKS, Path Mate is located in the Mate (Assembly toolbar) > Advanced tab > Path Mate. When using Path Mate, the first mate selection is for the component vertex; this is the point in the component that will pierce and travel along the path.