What Are Labels in SOLIDWORKS PDM and How Can I Use Them?

In this blog I want to introduce you to a little used feature of labels in SOLIDWORKS PDM, they are a simple way to annotate a specific version of a model to describe a key point in its lifecycle outside of the standard ‘Revision’ label.

In this example, I have a problem with the fit of a part and after changing the CAD file I plan to have a 3D print created so that I can test the changes before releasing for manufacture. I will use a label to indicate the version of the model that I have sent for printing, but also use the content of the label to record who I sent it to.

Figure 1: file history

On the face of it, labels may appear to be essentially the same as a version comment, but unlike a version comment, a label can be added without creating a new file version, they appear significantly in the ‘Get’
menu and versions attached to a label are also excluded from cold storage when cold storage rules have been configured to also exclude ‘Revisions’.

Figure 2: get version(with labelled version)

To add a label, browse the SOLIDWORKS PDM Vault View, select one or more files before selecting Label from the Modify pull-down menu.

Figure 3: menu: modify / label

Note: If you do not see this option, it may be that you do not currently have the required permission to create labels. Two permissions relate to labels, one to create (set) labels and one to delete.

Figure 4: administrative permissions

This will display a dialog box that allows you to define the name for the label as you would see in the Get menu, and an optional comment for displaying within the full history dialogue.

Figure 5: creating the label

Note: If you select a folder instead of a file then the label will be applied to all files in that folder. You can also apply it to the contents of any sub-folders by enabling the additional checkbox labelled ‘Recursive’ which is only shown when a folder is selected.

Labels can be modified or deleted within the History dialogue box by any user with the “Can Update History Comments” permission enabled.

Figure 6: update or delete a label

Labels can also be searched for using the Label tab on the built-in ‘Complete Search’ card. In the example below, I can search for Solid Print3D to quickly see which files I have sent out to that company for prototyping as a 3D Print.

Figure 7: searching by label name or content