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File Explorer

The File Explorer tab in the Task Pane duplicates Windows Explorer from your local computer and displays the following directories:

  • Recent Documents
  • Open in SOLIDWORKS
If Workgroup PDM is added in, the tab changes to tab_File_Explorer_PDMWorks.gif.
You can specify whether to show the following folders:
  • My Documents
  • My Computer
  • My Network Places
  • Recent Documents (duplicates the list in the File menu)
  • Hidden referenced documents
  • Samples (for SOLIDWORKS Tutorials and What's New examples)

Open in SOLIDWORKS

  • Files in bold have been modified since they were last saved.
  • Files in orange are read-only.
  • The icon for files open in SOLIDWORKS is solid . The icon for referenced components that are in memory but not open in SOLIDWORKS is transparent .

Working with File Explorer Contents

You can drag documents from the File Explorer into the graphics area.

Tooltips on files in the File Explorer display the file name, path, date modified, and size. For documents with models, such as SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD documents, a preview of the model is also displayed in the tooltip.

You can view models and their configurations in a Preview Window.

Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V both copy files and folders in SOLIDWORKS File Explorer.

Showing or Hiding Folders in File Explorer

To show or hide folders in File Explorer:

  1. Click Options Tool_Options_Standard.gif (Standard toolbar) or Tools > Options and select File Explorer.
  2. Select or clear the folder names, then click OK.
All folders are shown by default when collaboration settings are accepted when Workgroup PDM is added in.

Displaying or Hiding Referenced Components in File Explorer

You can display or hide referenced components in Open in SOLIDWORKS. For assemblies, selecting this option displays component files that are in memory but not open in SOLIDWORKS.

To display or hide referenced components:

  • Do one of the following:
    • Right-click Open in SOLIDWORKS and select or clear Show hidden referenced documents.
    • Click Tools > Options > System Options > File Explorer and select or clear Hidden referenced documents.

Previewing Models from the File Explorer Tab

Preview models on the File Explorer tab in the Task Pane. You can select configurations, and you can leave the window open to view additional models.

To preview models:

  1. In the Task Pane, select the File Explorer tab .
  2. Right-click a file and select Preview Window.
  3. In the dialog box, select a configuration in Config.

    The model appears in Document preview. The document path and file name appear (read-only) in Document.

Refreshing the File Explorer View

To refresh the File Explorer view:

  1. In the Task Pane, select the File Explorer tab .
  2. Right-click anywhere in the pane and select Refresh View.


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Web Help Content Version: SOLIDWORKS 2015 SP05

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