As Toolbox administrator, you decide how Toolbox component files are defined in an assembly: as single files with many configurations, or as new part files for each component size. You can configure Toolbox component file options from the User Settings page of Toolbox Settings.
To open Toolbox Settings, click from the list of all programs on the Start menu of your computer.
To specify component file type, from Toolbox Settings, select 3 - Define User Settings.
You have three options for handling Toolbox component files:
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With Create Configurations, (default), each component is represented by a single part file with many configurations. With this option, a new configuration is added to a component file each time users select a new size of the component. With use, the component file size increases, which increases the assembly file size. For information on configurations, see SOLIDWORKS Help: Configurations Overview.
- With Create Parts, a new part is created for each instance of the Toolbox component, resulting in many part files over time.
- Create Parts on Ctrl-Drag creates a new configuration for each component file type unless a user presses Ctrl + drags the component into the graphics area, in which case a new part file is created.
Although file sizes differ, these options yield similar performance.
When you rely on a Product Data Management (PDM) system to manage document files, consult your PDM documentation for guidance on whether to create new parts or configurations with each use of component files.
Managing files can be difficult if you change how file types are defined once your users have included Toolbox components in assemblies.
For more information, see Toolbox - User Settings.