NOTE: To start using Share and Markup in SOLIDWORKS, you need the latest SOLIDWORKS Service Pack and 3DEXPERIENCE platform update.

The new Share and Markup functionality included with SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services makes it easy to share SOLIDWORKS files between users on the platform and in SOLIDWORKS.

How to use Share and Markup in SOLIDWORKS

To share a file, simply click the Share a file command on the Lifecycle and Collaboration tab on the command manager. If you are looking to use this command regularly, then you can even assign the command to a keyboard shortcut or even use it as a mouse gesture.

Share a file command SOLIDWORKS

When you use the command, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform will automatically create a shareable link for the file and upload it to your own personal 3DDrive. This link can be copied and access can be restricted to specific users by email addresses. As you share a file you can decide whether to allow guest comments and add a short message if required. Clicking share will send an email to the recipient and activate the link for access.

Share and markup command options

From within the task pane inside SOLIDWORKS you can see easily see which files you have shared, and update who has access to each shared file.

How to view a file that has been shared

When you share a file the recipient will receive an email that includes the comments from the sender and a link to access the file in a 3D viewer. To view the file they will need to log in with a 3DEXPERIENCE ID, this is free to sign up for and does not require any paid licenses or additional software.

Share and markup email

Files are viewed directly within an internet browser, which makes it straightforward to access the files on any device.

Using the markup tools

The tools to markup a file are simple and intuitive, you can highlight areas with the pencil tool, add annotations with the text tool and save comments and screenshots for designers to review. When comments are added the designer will be notified within SOLIDWORKS and can quickly view the part and the markup information by clicking the notification.

After making the required changes files can be shared again by simply click the Share a file command another time.

Share and markup is a simple but powerful tool to assist you when designing in SOLIDWORKS. If you have any questions about using the new functionality within SOLIDWORKS or the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, then please use the contact options below to get in touch with your local SOLIDWORKS team.

Platform Manager dashboard

In the 3DDashboard app, Platform Administrators will have access to the Platform Management dashboard. Find this in the list of dashboards under the hamburger menu on the left and click on it to enter the dashboard.

Platform Management dashboard

In the list of tabs along the top of the Platform Management dashboard, click the Content tab and locate the widget for the Drives Control Center app. Widgets can be maximized for better visibility.

On the Share with External section here, there are a couple of settings you will need to turn on to enable share and markup. Enable Shareable Link will allow users to create a link for sending out SOLIDWORKS data to external platform users, while Enable Comments will allow recipients to comment and be more collaborative with your team.

External sharing options to enable share and markup

Once these settings are enabled you’re ready to start sharing, to learn more check out video guide on using Share and Markup.

Add users to 3DEXPERIENCE platform

One of the apps included with this role is the Members Control center. Here you can see all of the members in your organization’s tenant on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Members Control Center App

We have lots of people on this tenant that you may be following along this tutorial as the first and only member on your organization’s platform. To invite a new user click on Invite Members then type in the new member’s email address and set the appropriate location for them.

This process can be done for multiple users in one go by adding further email addresses or by importing a CSV file in the format specified under the import members tab.

Add Users to 3DEXPERIENCE platform

Setting User Rights

During the invite process you can also set user rights, there are several options available. Setting them to be an administrator allows them access to the platform management tools, member is for users that don’t need those platform management tools and is intended for most employees. Finally external is for those outside your organization, like a contractor.

Setting User Rights

Assigning Roles in 3DEXPERIENCE

After assigning user rights and clicking next, you will be given the option to assign roles to the new user. Roles determine which apps the user will have access to, so it is important to assign them correctly. In our example we have assigned the the 3D swimmer and collaborative industry innovator roles, these are the fundamental collaboration roles on the platform.

Assigning roles in 3DEXPERIENCE

The battery icons indicate how many instances of each row remain. Hover over them to see how many licenses are used. Some users may belong to more than one 3DEXPERIENCE tenants, and the restricts usage to this platform button prevents this row from being used outside of your organization. On the next page, we can assign additional apps such as SOLIDWORKS if available. Once you have assigned all the required roles and apps click invite to complete the process.

User Email Invitation

The use will receive an invitation email and must log into the platform using their SOLIDWORKS or 3DEXPERIENCE ID or create a new 3DEXPERIENCE side if required. Once the email is sent out, the user will be listed in the members control center where administrators can change their user rights and roles at any time via the information icon next to the new users name.

New User Email 3DEXPERIENCE Invitation