How to Update SOLIDWORKS Files for Compatibility with 3DEXPERIENCE

Configurations are a convenient way to create multiple variations of a part within a single SOLIDWORKS file. However, data management systems may use differing terms when handling these configurations.

In the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, SOLIDWORKS configurations will be interpreted as ‘Physical Products’, and there are some important settings you need to check before uploading files to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Let’s explore what you need to do when using SOLIDWORKS configurations with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Can you use SOLIDWORKS Configurations with 3DEXPERIENCE?

The short answer is ‘yes’! However, you need to be aware that, by default, saving SOLIDWORKS parts and assemblies to 3DEXPERIENCE triggers an on-the-fly conversion.

Configurations are used to show different design variations of SOLIDWORKS models.

While it may be convenient for cross-role working in the platform, this automated process can introduce delays and misaligned Custom Properties when processing large amounts of files.

Thankfully, we can choose when to perform this conversion before uploading to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. So we can verify file structures and metadata in advance, reducing surprises, and speeding up cloud saves.

What happens to SOLIDWORKS files when saved to 3EXPERIENCE?

On upload to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, SOLIDWORKS CAD files will undergo some internal changes so that

This conversion sees multi-configuration files become CAD Families, individual configurations transformed into Physical Products, and derived configurations appear as Representations.

SOLIDWORKS VS 3DEXPERIENCE

The four methods we’ll explore below will see SOLIDWORKS files and properties converted into their corresponding compatible formats.

Four ways to convert SOLIDWORKS files for 3DEXPERIENCE Compatibility

Since you could be converting many files when saving to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it’s important to take some time to prepare your files correctly to avoid running into unexpected issues further down the line.

There are four ways to convert SOLIDWORKS files ready for saving the platform:

1. Right-Click Menu
2. System Options
3. Template Updates
4. SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler

#1 – Right-Click Menu

The first method is ideal for one-off or small batches of conversions.

1. In the FeatureManager tree, right-click the Title.
2. Choose ‘Update for 3DEXPERIENCE compatibility’.

#2 – System Options

Manually updating every SOLIDWORKS files is tedious, and if you are often saving files to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, at some point you’ll need to draw a firm line in the sand.

1. Go to Tools → Options → System Options → 3DEXPERIENCE Integration.
2. Tick Update SOLIDWORKS files for compatibility with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
3. All files you open from now on will auto-convert.

#3 – Template Updates

System Options will prepare future uploads from a certain machine. However, they can be reset and are less convenient for a multi-user environment.

A robust way build in compatibility and to ensure every new SOLIDWORKS file is automatically created for the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, we can update our SOLIDWORKS templates.

1. Browse to your templates location and open your template.
2. Use the Right-Click Menu (Method 1) to convert it.
3. Click “Save As” and save a new copy of the template.
4. Appending the title with ‘3DEXPERIENCE’ and save it to your template folder.

Repeat this for each template file (part, assembly, and drawing) required for saving to the platform.

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#4 – SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler

If you simply need to convert a large batch of files without necessarily preparing for future uploads, then the SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler is perfect for running bulk-updates overnight or whenever is convenient.

1. Launch SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler.
2. Select ‘Bulk Convert for 3DEXPERIENCE’.
3. Point to your legacy files folder and schedule the run.
4. Wake up to fully converted files, ready for upload!

What Changes after Conversion?

There are several notable changes that will occur within the SOLIDWORKS interface when working with a 3DEXPERIENCE-compatible CAD file.

• FeatureManager Tree TabsFirstly, there are changes to the FeatureManager Tree. The Configurations: CAD Family tab replaces the default ‘Configurations’ view.

  

  This tab shows the hierarchy of the file in 3DEXPERIENCE terms: Physical Products and Representations. This tab is used to create, promote, or demote items directly within SOLIDWORKS.

• Optional Side-by-Side ViewOld and new configuration views can be enabled concurrently. In the System Options, locate the FeatureManager settings and choose to enable ‘both CAD Family and Configurations’ tabs to retain a familiar view.

  

• Custom Properties → Configuration PropertiesAll custom properties will merge into Configuration Properties after conversion. This ensures metadata resides on the physical product that the 3DEXPERIENCE platform stores.

  

TOP TIP: Clear outdated configuration-specific properties first so only empty fields will copy across.

‘Best Practice’ when Working with the SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services

Storing SOLIDWORKS files in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is an efficient way to manage your CAD data. To help you maintain efficiency, our data management experts recommend following two simple rules when saving to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

#1 – Enforce One Physical Product per File

By ensuring creating only one physical product per file, we can:

• Prevent the creation of CAD Families.
• Simplify file structures and improve performance.
• Control or vary rules per file or on your template.

#2 – Stay Within Dassault’s Guidance

Sometimes reading the instruction manual is just the best way to do things.

Dassault Systèmes are the developers of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and they recommend that no more than 20 Physical Products are created per CAD Family.

Exceeding this can degrade SOLIDWORKS performance, so aim for one wherever possible.

By proactively converting your files, you’ll control when and how your SOLIDWORKS data maps into the 3DEXPERIENCE hierarchy, maintain clean metadata and eliminate upload-time bottlenecks.

This other blog in the Platform Configuration Series explores in detail the UI settings to align your SOLIDWORKS environment more closely with the 3DEXPERIENCE paradigm.

Take the Next Steps

Get the most out of your 3DEXPERIENCE platform with our step-by-step starter guides and guided implementation services.

Together with our TriMech Group partners, these 3DEXPERIENCE platform starter guides can help to onboard new administrators and users of your 3DEXPERIENCE platform.