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Link to File

You can link instances of an appearance to an appearance file (.p2m). When you change a linked instance, the appearance file updates and other linked instances update.

You can do the following:

  • Link to custom appearance files, but not to predefined appearance files.

  • Control read/write access in Windows Explorer.

  • Use Attach to Selection in the Render Manager tab to link an appearance to more than one face in a part or more than one component in an assembly.

The Link Appearance option is best used for linking an appearance used in many parts or by multiple users. Changes you make to the appearance file propagate to all the other linked instances.

To link appearances to a file:

  1. Click Appearance (PhotoWorks toolbar) or PhotoWorks, Appearance.

  2. In the Appearances PropertyManager, select the Color/Image tab.

To display all the PhotoWorks application options under Appearance, select the Advanced tab.

  1. Under Appearance:

    • Click Browse to locate a custom appearance.

    • Select Link appearance, then click Save appearance.

You can also browse to a custom appearances folder in the Task Pane under PhotoWorks Items, and drag the appearance into the graphics area to apply it to the document to open the Appearances PropertyManager.

Click Yes to the warning message regarding changes in the current appearance. The appearance instance is linked to the appearance file and (Link) appears next to the appearance's name in the Render Manager tab. Any future changes to the appearance are propagated to the file and update any instances where the custom appearance is linked.

To edit a linked custom appearance:

  1. Right-click an appearance on the Render Manager tab and select Edit.

  2. Edit appearance properties. If you edit an item on the Illumination, Surface Finish, or Color tab, a warning message appears.

  3. Click:

  • Modify File to modify the linked file (and any instances where the custom appearance is linked).

  • Break Link to break the link and modify only the current instance of the appearance.



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Web Help Content Version: SOLIDWORKS 2010 SP05

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