SOLIDWORKS Template File Locations

One of the best things about SOLIDWORKS is the reduced repeatability of workflows in different areas of the software. This allows users to spend more time designing rather than tracing over the same steps over and over again.

SOLIDWORKS templates are a key aspect of SOLIDWORKS that allow for predefined setups. A template is required to create any part, assembly, or drawing and can be customized to avoid having to set up a new template each time a design is started. A template can include different settings and parameters such as units, precision, standards, custom properties, predefined features, and more. Aside from being set up properly, templates need to be located appropriately as well. This article will look at the template locations, how to ensure templates are stored properly, and the default folder paths for all SOLIDWORKS file locations.

Novice window when creating a new SW document

Where are default SOLIDWORKS template file locations?

The default SOLIDWORKS template file location is dependent on the version of SOLIDWORKS installed. If a user has multiple versions of SOLIDWORKS installed, there can be different template folders. By default, templates are stored in:

 C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 20xx\templates

With ’20xx’ being the version year(s) installed.

The very first time a user tries to create a new file in SOLIDWORKS, the user may be prompted to select the initial settings for the default templates (if the template file location is empty). For units, users can choose from MKS (meter, kilogram, second), CGS (centimeter, gram, second), MMGS (millimeter, gram, second), or IPS (inch, pound, second). The standards available in SOLIDWORKS include ANSI, ISO, DIN, JIS, BSI, GOST, and GB.

Default template selection windows

Can SOLIDWORKS templates be moved from the default folder location?

SOLIDWORKS Templates can be stored anywhere if they are referenced properly. When references have been set up correctly in System Options > File Locations, templates will appear for selection upon creating a new SOLIDWORKS document. The order in which file paths appear in File Locations is the same order that folder tabs are listed in the New SOLIDWORKS Document window.

Template file locations and how they appear in the template selection window

Where should templates be stored?

Users have the flexibility to decide where it makes the most sense to store templates. In a single-user environment, storing templates in the default folder location may work best when managing template files. Within a collaborative environment, multiple users may need to access standardized templates stored in PDM or on a network drive. SOLIDWORKS accommodates for this by allowing users to point to any file location that can be accessed by the computer SOLIDWORKS is installed on. For templates stored in PDM, data management functionality such as revision control applies to these documents.

What are ALL the default File Locations

If for any reason a file location is missing or needs to be set to default, the list below is a full outline of all default file locations. To make changes to the file path(s), change the “Show folders for” field to the desired file location and select Add, Delete, Move Up, or Move Down. Alternatively, users can select Edit All to view or modify all file locations from a table.

Modifying file locations