For newcomers though, the abundance of tools that the platform has to offer can seem, well… daunting to say the least. Having experienced similar feelings myself, I can assure you that committing time to develop your understanding and comfort with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, is well worth the effort!

Perhaps you are just beginning your journey on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform or maybe you’re already well on your way. In either case, this article will hopefully further your comfort level, as we review the benefits of migrating CAD data to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform utilizing the tool “Batch Save to 3DEXPERIENCE”, along with some best practices and recommendations.

The Advantage of Batch Save to 3DEXPERIENCE

A major benefit provided by the “Batch Save to 3DEXPERIENCE” tool is it allows users to maintain pre-defined organization of SOLIDWORKS files. Instead of just pushing all of your CAD files into a collaborative space, the Batch Save to 3DEXPERIENCE tool will also replicate the existing folder structure from windows file explore, as bookmarks inside the bookmark editor app. Additionally, this method for uploading SOLIDWORKS content to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform allows users to continue using SOLIDWORKS for other tasks, while the Batch Save tool runs in the background.

Batch Save to 3DEXPERIENCE Process

Getting Started…

Batch Save to 3DEXPERIENCE is accessible through the SOLIDWORKS application under the Tools drop down menu. If you don’t see the tool listed, ensure that the Batch Save to 3DEXPERIENCE add-in is enabled.

Batch Save to 3DEXPERIENCE Tool

Recommended Settings

For a more dependable upload process, consider the following recommended settings:

• SOLIDWORKS System Options – Performance
  • [Versions prior to SOLIDWORKS 2023] Automatically load components lightweight > OFF
  • [SOLIDWORKS 2023] Manually manage resolved and lightweight modes > ON
  • Load component lightweight > OFF
  • Purge cached configuration data > OFF

SOLIDWORKS Performance Options

• SOLIDWORKS System Options – Assemblies
  • Use Lightweight mode and Large Assembly Settings when… > OFF
  • Use Large Design Review mode when…> OFF

SOLIDWORKS System Options – Assemblies

• SOLIDWORKS System Options – External References
  • Load referenced Documents > select All

SOLIDWORKS System Options – External References

• SOLIDWORKS System Options – File Locations
  • Referenced Documents > My Work(username)

SOLIDWORKS System Options – File Locations

• My Session Options – Save
  • Save graphical properties > OFF [Especially recommended if uploading large datasets]

My Session Options – Save

• Collaborative Spaces Control Center App. [Platform Administrator]
  • Option to use original file name as title
  • Saving files with missing references
  • Saving files referencing unlocked modified files

Preparing for Upload!

Prior to each upload, it’s important to be familiar with the reference structure of your SOLIDWORKS dataset and as well, perform an analysis to detect and correct any issues. A tool designed to aid in this process is the File Preparation Assistant, which is accessible directly within the Batch Save to 3DEXPERIENCE tool. The File Preparation Assistant helps to detect and correct the following:

• File names with leading/trailing spaces (Replaces with “_”)
• Duplicate file names (Provides ability with options for merging)
• Extend file names to include at least three characters
• Detect 3DInterconnect references
• Detect missing file references
• Detect missing configuration References
• Check custom property values for consistency

File preparation assistant

Final Considerations for Batch Save to 3DEXPERIENCE

While the “Batch Save to 3DEXPERIENCE” tool is a great utility for bulk upload of SOLIDWORKS content to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, there are many considerations to be aware of when migrating your CAD data. Considerations such as fully understanding the condition of all data prior to upload, the landing location for all or certain portions of the data, content contained within the dataset that may already exist on the platform and so much more. Additionally, you may want to consider assigning a dedicated individual, perhaps your platform administrator, with sole responsibility for all bulk uploads. This could be greatly beneficial in ensuring a controlled and consistent upload process.

If the need is to upload large amounts of data and/or numerous datasets, keep in mind that TriMech is equipped to help analyze, cleanse and migrate your data for you. Contact our Data Management team to find out how!

Working with Microsoft Office Documents

Let’s get started by launching the 3DDrive application. Here, we can see the content stored in our 3DDrive which currently shows a couple of folders as well as some Microsoft Office files.

Folders and office files saved in 3DDrive

Uploading folders and files is a simple drag and drop or upload the file using the New button located in the top right-hand corner. The 2023 FD03 version, which is the latest update to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, can now create office documents directly within the 3DDrive app.

To create a new office document, simply click on the New button and navigate the dropdown to create a Word document, a PowerPoint presentation, or an Excel spreadsheet. Once selected, we can edit the information with a name and description.

Creating an office document in 3DDrive

Once the document is created, we can edit the document with similar functionality that we’re all familiar with Microsoft Office products. In this Word document example that I just created, I can add some text in the header, increase the font size, apply bold to the title, and even italicize. When we’re finished editing our document, we will save it.

In addition to saving, we can add comments, share with others, download the file, view information, add to favorites, copy to, and change properties.

When closing the document, we return to the 3DDrive home screen. Here we have control over our documents through various actions. When a file is selected, we can preview, share, edit, favorite, move, copy, rename, download, update, or delete any of our files.

Let’s go ahead and preview the file. When the preview opens, we again have control of the documents such as editing directly from the preview. This leads to an easy and efficient workflow.

Preview file

Another addition with the FD03 update is that it’s now possible to move multiple items at the same time. As an example, let’s create a new folder called Office Files. We will then select all the files and use the “move to” command to move all the files to the new folder simultaneously. And just like that, all the files are moved to the new folder making organization within 3DDrive easier than ever.

3DDrive move selection tool

3DEXPERIENCE Collaboration for Microsoft Documents

The 3DDrive app makes 3DEXPERIENCE Collaboration for Microsoft Documents easy. Contact us to learn more about 3DEXPERIENCE Works and setting up your business systems.