Collaborating with 3DDrive in 3DEXPERIENCE

A common question we receive is how data can be stored and shared on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. One solution for storing and sharing data is with 3DDrive.

3DDrive is available to everyone with access to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. It is a unique, secure, storage space where users can upload, download, save, move, rename, and share any kind of data. 3DDrive can be accessed through a browser, or through a synchronized folder on your local hard drive. In this blog, we will look at how 3DDrive can be accessed through a browser, and how you can use synchronized 3DDrive folders on your desktop.

Accessing 3DDrive from your Browser

Once you become a member of your organization’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform, you can access the 3DDrive app by clicking on the 3DEXPERIENCE Compass, scrolling down into the My Apps section (located under the compass) and finding the 3DDrive icon.

You can either click on the icon, which will open a window showing you the contents of your 3DDrive, or, you can drag and drop the icon onto your dashboard.

Inside 3DDrive are two folders, “My Files” and “Shared with me”, and a trash bin. Whatever you upload or save to 3DDrive will be stored in the “My Files” folder, and whatever is shared with you by others will be stored in the “Shared with me” folder. Anything you discard will end up in the trash bin awaiting a final deletion. This gives you a second chance to consider whether you really want to delete a file.

You can drag and drop single or multiple files from your desktop directly into your My Files folder and 3DEXPERIENCE will take care of uploading them. You will see a progress bar and get a notification when the upload is complete. Additional folders can be created to organize your data however you like.

Sharing data is a breeze. Simply click the dropdown arrow on the file or folder you want to share and select (you guessed it) “Share.” You will see options for sharing with members in your organization or sharing by link for collaborators outside your organization.

Typing a member’s name in the ‘Can View’ option gives that member read-only access to a file. Typing a member’s name in the ‘Can Edit’ option, gives that member read-write access to the file.

The “Share by link” option will create a link that you can email to any collaborator, inside or outside your organization. In order to preview and download the file, the collaborator must have a 3DEXPERIENCE login.

Synchronizing 3DDrive With Windows Explorer

3DDrive can synchronize folders so data can be shared across an entire organization.

A synchronized folder is placed in your C: drive and a shortcut is created in your Quick Access menu. This allows you to quickly locate, upload and download data. Using a synchronized folder on your desktop opens some terrific options for working with your team. For instance, SOLIDWORKS file templates, weldment profiles, and design libraries are opportunities for 3DDrive synced folders. These synced folders ensure the CAD team is accessing the same content. When any new content is added, or files are modified in the synced folders, the content is updated instantaneously for all users.

Synced folders require no support or commitment from IT, it’s all handled in the cloud. An internet connection is all that is required to keep everyone synced.

Linking Other Cloud Data Platforms

“My Files” and “Shared with me” folders in 3DDrive are the most efficient means of storing and using data on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Additionally, you can link your Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive accounts to your 3DDrive.

For data stored in Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive, you are limited to previewing the data. Linking to these platforms allows you to preview data, but you would need to move the data to your 3DDrive folders to use it directly with 3DEXPERIENCE applications.

Conclusion

3DDrive on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform offers users an easy way to access, store and share any kind of data in the cloud. 3DDrive’s ability to sync data directly to local desktop folders can keep your entire organization collaborating, connected, and current.

Todd Myers
Application Engineer, Emerging Products
Computer Aided Technology, Inc.