How SOLIDWORKS Opens 3DEXPERIENCE Files

When you open a 3DEXPERIENCE file that is not stored in your local cache, SOLIDWORKS follows a two-step process:

SOLIDWORKS first retrieves metadata for the selected configuration. This allows the file to open quickly, enabling you to start working sooner. The app then caches the full configuration metadata and downloads the required files in the background, even if they are not yet loaded in the SOLIDWORKS session. This method optimizes performance by minimizing initial load times while ensuring that all required data becomes available in the background.

Some actions remain temporarily disabled until all files are fully available, including:
  • Opening other files
  • Locking and unlocking
  • Replacing revisions
  • Modifying properties
  • Saving
  • Refreshing

You can continue using 3DSearch while the rest of your files download.