Excel, Word, PDF documents in 3DEXPERIENCE

Learn how to manage documents from Microsoft Office 365 in the 3DEXPERIENCE and link them to your CAD designs.

Introduction

CAD data often comes with associate documentation: BOMs, technical datasheets, test results, assembly instructions...

And it's important to link these documents to the CAD File itself. But you could also just want a secure place to store and manage the lifecycle of your documents!

3DEXPERIENCE provides an answer to these needs.

 

Method 1: the old school way

This is the OOTB method, you basically upload your documents and download to edit. It provides an intelligent lock/unlock system for collaboration and lifecycle tools such as Maturity and Revisions.

1. To import your document on the platform, you can perform a drag and drop directly into the bookmark of your choice.

2. To modify the file, right click on it and select "edit". 

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This will open a light version of the microsoft app on which you will be able to do small modifications.

 

3. To save the file, click on the save icon in the top right

 

Method 2: the cool way

Thanks to the Collaboration for Microsoft Connector, you will be able to seamlessly work between your Microsoft Office apps and the 3DEXPERIENCE PLATFORM. 

Step 1  : Download and install the software

1. First of all, let's install the connector. Click on the compass and look for Collaboration for Microsoft in the search bar. 

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2. Click on it and follow the instructions to install the module.

To choose which app to connect to the platform, check the corresponding box.

 

Step 2: Import and collaboration

3. Once you have installed the connector, click on the module icon in your apps to launch it. Simply open a Microsoft office document you would like to work on.

You will notice a new tab called 3DEXPERIENCE.

 

4. To save our document, click on the "save as" icon.

Just like for SOLIDWORKS, you will be able to save your file in a bookmark. Choose the file location "bookmark root" to find all of your folders. You can then choose the bookmark of your choice.

Once you have chosen your folder, select "delete the local file after a successful save"

then click on save.

The file will disappear from the screen, meaning that the save went well.

 

5. If we go to the bookmark we previously selected, we can find the file we saved.

 

6. If you want to modify it right click on the file and select "Lock and Download".

Just like in SOLIDWORKS, you need to lock your files to be able to work on them. 

This will open the file automatically. 

Here you will be able to modify the file as usual.

 

7. To save your modifications : go to the 3DEXPERIENCE Tab and click on save

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You will be able to leave a comment for each save you make.

Like previously, Click on "delete the file"

 

8. In the platform, you will be able to consult every modification. To do so,  right click on the file and select preview. 

Step 3: Manage revisions and maturity states.

Versions and revisions work very similarly to SOLIDWORKS files such as parts or assemblies.

Everytime you save a modification, a new version will be created.

You can also click on the rolldown menu next to the save as button and choose to save as a new revision. You will be able to add a comment.

To keep track of all the revisions you made, click on "revisions/versions".

 

Now you know everything you need to start using your office files in the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform !