Changing the Default File View in SOLIDWORKS PDM

When working with SOLIDWORKS PDM in Windows File Explorer, you have several view options available. One of the most useful is the Details View, as shown in the screenshot below. If your vault frequently opens files in a different view, such as when opening a new folder or using the Save dialog in other applications, you may find yourself constantly switching back to Details View. To save time and avoid this repetitive task, you can set Details View as the default using Windows Folder settings.

Procedure

First, open your local vault view and navigate to the root folder. 

Select View > Details.

Next, click “…” then Options to open the Folder Options dialog box.

Note: The location of Folder Options can vary depending on your version of Windows. You may need to look around a bit to find it. Common locations include:

• Organize > Change folder and search options
• Tools (Windows Tools, not PDM Tools) > Folder Options…

In the Folder Options dialog box, go to the View tab and, without changing any of the settings, select Apply to Folders, then click OK.

This sets the Details View as the default for all folders in your vault, creating a consistent experience no matter which folder you’re in.

I hope you found this tutorial for how to change the deafult file view in SOLIDWORKS PDM helpful. Check out more tips and tricks below. Additionally, join the GoEngineer Community to participate in discussions, create forum posts, and answer questions from other SOLIDWORKS users. 

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in October 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

More SOLIDWORKS PDM Tutorials

SOLIDWORKS PDM Creating a CVS File from an Existing System

Changing a SOLIDWORKS PDM User Password

Managing Local Cache in SOLIDWORKS PDM

SOLIDWORKS PDM How to Delete User Accounts

Controlling Access to Versions and Revisions in SOLIDWORKS PDM

VIEW ALL SOLIDWORKS PDM TUTORIALS