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, from Windows, click .
To specify component file type, from Toolbox
Settings, select 3 - Define User
Settings.
Options for handling Toolbox component files:
- 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.
- 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.