Distributing SOLIDWORKS PDM Add-In Settings

When working in SOLIDWORKS PDM, it may be desirable to have all of your users working with the same client settings. Having the same client settings can enable better collaboration by having all PDM users see the same columns, icons, variable information, etc. Note: If there is a setting outside of what is described below, this is probably a setting controlled via the PDM Admin Tool and you will need to have your PDM Admin adjust these. Let’s take a look.

The SOLIDWORKS Add-in User Interface is located in the Task Pane by clicking on the “blueberry”.

Settings that can be adjusted but not limited to are:

• Columns info/nomenclature/widths based on Variables or database info.
• Icons and background colors for file information.
• Variable and DB info displayed in the Preview area.
• How the Tree Pane is updated, which prompts will show, etc. when certain actions occur.

Location of Settings

You can access these settings in SOLIDWORKS>Tools>SOLIDWORKS PDM>Options.

There are three areas of the client settings that can be shared:

1. Server tab (Note: The Serial Number can only be set by PDM admin user and affects all clients)
   
   
2. View Setting tab
   
3. Columns and Splitter
   

Exporting Settings

Exporting the settings is done via the Registry. To access the Registry go to Search in Windows and enter “regedit”>return, this will open the Registry Editor. You can then navigate to the “registry keys” you would like to export>RMB click>Export, a dialogue will appear allowing you to save. You can save to a network location where all users can access or distribute via email.

Export the corresponding key with its setting:

Server Settings

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSolidWorksApplicationsPDMWorks EnterprisePDMSWOptions

View Settings

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSolidWorksApplicationsPDMWorks EnterpriseConisioCADSolidWorks (excluding Column and Splitter Settings below)

Column and Splitter Settings

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSolidWorksApplicationsPDMWorks EnterpriseConisioCADSolidWorks

NOTE: These can be set by adjusting numbers in the registry or will be set by adjusting in SOLIDWORKS PDM User Experience

If exporting multiple Registry Keys you can combine by changing the file extension on Registry Key from .reg to .txt and combine contents into one .txt file, then rename extension back to .reg.

Import Settings

Always backup the registry before making any changes!

Users can import the SOLIDWORKS Add-in settings by double-clicking on .reg file on their computer.

NOTE: You may need to shut down and restart SOLIDWORKS to see settings changes.

Additional Information

To see what keys hold what settings refer to KB S-055797 in the SOLIDWORKS portal.

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About the Author

Todd Barr is an Application Engineering Consultant specializing in PDM implementations at Fisher Unitech for over two years. Todd attended Kent State University where he received his Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. The majority of his career was spent in the Electric Utilities industry designing components for Coal Fired and Nuclear power plants. Todd’s most recent positions previous to Fisher Unitech were CAD Support and Engineering Sublet Coordinator. Todd is SOLIDWORKS certified in CSWP, CSWP-D, and CPPA, CSWS-TSO.