Copying a File with References

You can copy a parent file with all its references to create a second instance unrelated to the original.

For example, you can copy an assembly file to use as the basis for a new product. Copying a file with references lets you reuse all the related parts and drawings without having to recreate the data.

If you copy, move, or rename a part or assembly, SOLIDWORKS PDM records the new relative location of the associated files when you check them in. This applies to relations between assemblies, subassemblies, drawings, and parts.

  1. Select the parent file and click Tools > Copy Tree .
    A dialog box appears to let you specify how the copy is performed.
  2. Select whether the files should be copied to a folder or a compressed archive.
  3. Click Browse and navigate to the destination folder.
  4. To change the names of copied files:
    1. Select the files to rename from the file list.
    2. In Transform Operations, select the kind of transformation to be performed.
    3. In the dialog box that appears, specify the change and select whether all files or only selected files are renamed.
      If serial numbers have been defined by your administrator, you also have the option to rename using serial numbers.
    4. Click OK.
    To verify that a transformation has the desired effect, view Target File Name in the file list. Click Reset All to revert to the original names.
  5. Set the remaining options.
  6. Select which version of references to use.
  7. To check in files as part of the Copy Tree operation, click Check-in on Copy. Optionally, specify a check-in comment.
  8. In the file list, under Copy, select references you want to copy.
    By default, references to Toolbox parts and references in folders two or more levels up from an assembly are not selected. References in the same folder and subfolders to the assembly/drawing are selected.
  9. Click Copy.
    The newly copied parts start with a new version history.