Accessing the Cloud Using Design with SOLIDWORKS

The 3DEXPERIEN3CE platform contains numerous web-based apps and features; however, many of the 3DEXPERIENCE tools can also be used in conjunction with the SOLIDWORKS desktop application. Creating a hybrid of the two allows you to retain your workflow and interface while also leveraging Cloud capabilities for storing files, sharing files with others, and collaborating with fellow users. This blog post will cover how to link the two systems together using the Design with SOLIDWORKS application, and then show you how to easily start saving to the cloud and managing your cache in SOLIDWORKS desktop.

Installation

Once you have either activated your 3DEXPERIENCE tenant or been invited to an existing one, it is a straightforward process to link your desktop SOLIDWORKS to the 3DEXPERIENCE tenant.

First, click on the compass icon in the top left of the 3DEXPERIENCE interface, and navigate down to the My Apps section. Here, you will find the app Design with SOLIDWORKS. Select it to begin the installation.

Next, you can either install all your granted roles in one go or install specific or necessary roles for the Design with SOLIDWORKS Connector.

After making your selection, the 3DEXPERIENCE Installer will open on your system, and you can then specify both the installation directory and specifically where you wish your 3DEXPERIENCE cache to be located.

The default location is C:\3DEXPERIENCE, and as the cache will be managed through SOLIDWORKS, you are not expected to return to this folder often.

After the installation process is completed, the connector will be added to your system. One last thing worth checking: before using Design with SOLIDWORKS, ensure the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in is activated in your desktop SOLIDWORKS installation.

To do this, navigate to your add-ins using the Settings button in SOLIDWORKS. Ensure the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in was installed with the connector and is enabled before running Design with SOLIDWORKS again.

Launching SOLIDWORKS with the Connector

One key workflow difference to keep in mind with the connector is specifically how you launch SOLIDWORKS.

Launching SOLIDWORKS from your system, whether by searching for it or using a shortcut, will just launch the desktop version without the 3DEXPERIENCE functionality.

To run the connector, select the Design with SOLIDWORKS application instead; this will launch SOLIDWORKS on your system with the connector enabled.

You can also select the dropdown next to it, and use this to uninstall it or check for updates.

You also have the option to create a new desktop shortcut specifically for the Design with SOLIDWORKS desktop application, which allows you to use the Cloud functionality in SOLIDWORKS without ever opening your web browser.

Saving Files to the Platform in SOLIDWORKS

You can now easily save your files to the cloud for others to access them. To save to the Cloud, either use the Save to 3DEXPERIENCE button in the same File dropdown as the regular Save and Save As command, or use the 3DEXPERIENCE taskpane. The taskpane menu, added with the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in, allows you to manage your files and search your vault directly within SOLIDWORKS itself. Right-click on the item and save it directly to your tenant. Even though you are using the SOLIDWORKS Connector, you still also have the option to save locally to your system if you wish.

Managing the 3DEXPERIENCE Cache in SOLIDWORKS

Finally, you can manage the cache specified in your initial installation within SOLIDWORKS itself. When editing files from your tenant in SOLIDWORKS, your system will download them locally to the cache for you to work on. Keeping your cache clear can greatly improve your performance, so it is a good practice to regularly clear it.

The 3DEXPERIENCE add-in makes this process easy. You can either individually delete cache items from the menu (shown below) or use the cleanup function to clear out files past a certain date. This utility will also skip any files that are referenced in an assembly, any files that have not been saved to the platform, and all files that are currently locked.

Conclusion

The Design with SOLIDWORKS connector allows you to leverage the benefits of both SOLIDWORKS and your 3DEXPERIENCE tenant. Whether it be saving files to the cloud or managing your cache, all of these cloud features can be accomplished directly within the SOLIDWORKS application. If you have any questions or issues installing the connector or integrating it into your workflow, please make sure to reach out to GoEngineer or your specific Value Added Reseller.

Want to learn more? Check out more articles below. Additionally, check out the GoEngineer Community, where you can participate in discussions, create forum posts, and answer questions from other SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE users. 

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