Creating a Customized Column Set

You can create a customized column set to add or remove columns to the file view when users log in to a vault in Windows File Explorer.

The column set can be based on both file and folder data card variables. You can assign it to specific users or groups of users.

To create a new customized column set:

  1. Log in to the Administration tool as a user with permission to update columns.
  2. Expand Columns, right-click the type of column to create, and click New Column Set.
  3. In the Customizable Columns dialog box, enter the Column set name.
  4. From Type, select a column set type.
  5. Under Columns, click Add.
  6. Under Selected column:
    1. From Variable, select the data card variable or system variable (enclosed in < >) whose value should be displayed.
      The <Associated Item> and <Category> variables are available for SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional only.
      The variable name you select appears in the Column Name field.
    2. If you want a different name to appear to users, modify Column Name.
      If you select Localize system variables, you cannot modify Column Name of system variables.
    3. Specify the Alignment of the column value and the Width of the column.
      You can modify the default width by moving the column dividers in the Preview.
    4. Select how configurations should be searched for the variable: Look for variable in all configurations or Look for variable in given list of configurations.
      • This option is available only for File List column sets.
      • These settings do not affect items or files without multiple configurations.

    For example, you can add the Version Number column by selecting <Version Number> from the Variable list.

  7. Optional: Select Delete to remove any of the default columns from the column set.
  8. Use the Preview field to see how the columns will be displayed in Windows File Explorer.
  9. Optional: Use Sort Column to define a default sort column and sort direction.
  10. In the Permissions tab, under Users or Groups, select the users or groups who can view the column set.
  11. Optional: Select Preferred to assign the column set as preferred for users or groups.
    Steps 10 and 11 are not applicable for Search Result Type column sets.

    You can also specify the column set from the user and group Properties dialog boxes.

  12. Click OK.