The data import allows you to upload your Windows files to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
- This process should be carried out by a single user on the same computer. It cannot be distributed among multiple users or multiple computers.
- The operation takes time, ranging from 20 minutes to several hours, depending on the number of files. Do not interrupt the process or use SOLIDWORKS during this time.
- It is not recommended to import all archived data. We advise importing only your ongoing projects. This will reduce loading time and avoid unnecessarily cluttering the platform.
Are you really going to use your 2018 project that you haven't opened in 4 years?
Step 1: Library Import (Screws, Nuts, Hardware...)
Why start with the library?
When you save in 3DEXPERIENCE, a copy is automatically made in the local cache (on your PC). When importing assemblies, files in this folder will not be imported because they are already present on the platform. This prevents duplicates.
1. File Save
Go to "Tools" and then "Batch Save."
To use this add-on, you should have nothing open in SOLIDWORKS.
Click "Add a folder" and select your library folder.
Choose the collaboration space. Unless specific, this space remains the "Common Space."
Tip: Creating a new public space called "Library" can be interesting.
2. Creating the Destination Location
Create the bookmark (see tutorial) that will contain the library. Click the bookmark icon, then add a bookmark where you want it. Subfolders will be created automatically.
Check the option "Include referenced files located outside of the selected folders."
3. Launch the Import
Start the import. The operation takes time; make sure to wait until "Operation completed" appears before closing the window.
Tip: Ensure you have a stable internet connection and sufficient available RAM.
Go to the platform to verify that the operation has generated the desired folder.
Step 2: Assembly Import
1. File Import
Use Pack & Go to gather all the files in the same import folder.
Pack & Go creates a copy of your assembly, including all references (drawings, simulations, etc.).
In the Pack & Go page, check all file types to import, so you don't forget any files.
If you find that some files are missing (you can check the number of imported files, for example), you can search for files in specific folders by clicking "File Locations."
Save the Pack & Go to a short path (e.g., create an "import" folder on the C:\ drive).
Tip: C:\Import is a very short path that will prevent backup issues in the next steps.
2. File Preparation
Before starting the import, it is recommended to evaluate the files to detect any issues that might prevent saving. Go to "Tools," then "File Preparation Wizard."
Add a folder from the Pack&Go created in the previous step. Check the verification boxes and choose the location where the "evaluation report" will be generated.
The tool corrects any potential issues. You are now ready to start your import!
3. File Verification
Open the assembly from Pack & Go in SOLIDWORKS.
Check that the library files have been found in the assembly.
Right-click on the top-level assembly to perform a "Save with Options."
Check that all statuses are green and that there are no duplicates (warning message "File name already exists").
Library elements appear as "unmodified."
4. Creating the Destination Location
Select the bookmark where the assembly should be stored and click "Apply to Selection." The bookmark name will appear next to the assembly.
Start the save process. This may take a few minutes and depends on the assembly's size and your internet connection.
The assembly and its parts will be stored in the bookmark.
Drawings and other files imported at the same time will also be on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform but will not be stored in a bookmark. You will need to reposition them using the search tool (with the shortcut swd: to easily find drawings).
At the end of this step, it's advisable to delete or rename the imported folder (e.g., delete the folder in C:\Import).
And there you have it!
Need help or advice?
Feel free to reach out to us if you feel you need advice. The import step is crucial in deploying 3DEXPERIENCE and is also the most challenging.