SOLIDWORKS PDM: Custom Column Sets in Web2

Article by Shaun Johnson on Jul 25, 2022

The Web2 Client interface is a great way to allow access to users who cannot install a traditional PDM Client. However, if the local view differs in appearance from what users are used to seeing when logged in through Windows Explorer, it can be a confusing and frustrating experience. This article covers the steps necessary to use custom Column Sets that have been created for use in Local Vault Views.

The remainder of this article makes a few assumptions:

  1. You are running a SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional vault (required to use the Web2 portal).
  2. You have already installed and configured the Web2 Server and have a functioning Web2 login.
    1. Web2 Guide
  3. You have already created a custom Column Set for use with Local Vault Views.
    1. Creating Custom Column Sets

Bringing Clarity

Just like with the traditional Windows Explorer Local Vault View, there are a few columns that will be displayed by default. Without any additional configuration, the Web2 portal will display columns for the following information:

  • Name
  • Checked Out By
  • State
  • Days in State
  • Version
  • Modified
  • Size
  • Path

SOLIDWORKS PDM Custom Column Sets in Web2

In order to add the Column Set to the Web2 Portal view, you’ll need to access the Application Settings in the ASP.NET section of the Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager on the server hosting the Web2 site.

Once in the Application Settings window, double click on the ColumnSetName line item and update its value to match the name of the Column Set listed in the PDM Administration tool under Columns.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Application Settings

SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration Application Settings

With that completed, the custom Column Set will appear after the default columns in the Web2 interface.

Color Depth and Material SOLIDWORKS PDM Web2

As of the release of PDM 2021 SP5.1, it is not possible to re-order the display of columns in the Web2 interface. However, it is possible to toggle the display of colums by clicking on the gear icon in the top right corner and clearing / checking the box for each column.

Display Columns in SOLIDWORKS PDM Web2

That’s it! Hopefully this brief article has clearly communicated how to customize the information displayed for your SOLIDWORKS PDM Web users. If you have further questions about any of these steps, please reach out to our Support Team.

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About Shaun Johnson

Shaun has been using and supporting SOLIDWORKS since 2000. After spending five years in a support role, he went on to develop products and solutions in industries ranging from consumer electronics to military aviation ground support equipment. Once again in a support role, Shaun enjoys leveraging this experience to help others realize their designs and transform pixels into parts. Whenever he can, Shaun fires up his coal forge and takes a more ‘hands on’ approach to creating parts from raw steel.

View all posts by Shaun Johnson