How to Create a Template in SOLIDWORKS PDM

Creating a template in SOLIDWORKS PDM is a highly effective way to automate the generation of new files and folders, standardize document properties, and ensure data consistency across your vault. This process is managed through the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration Tool and guides users through a wizard to define every aspect of the template.

Getting Started: Accessing the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration Tool

To begin creating templates, you need administrative privileges within your SOLIDWORKS PDM vault.

1. Launch the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration Tool:
   • Navigate to the Windows Start menu > SOLIDWORKS PDM > Administration.
   • Log in to your PDM vault using your administrator credentials.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a New Template

The New Template Wizard simplifies the process of defining your template's behavior, from what it creates to how it interacts with users.

1. Initiate New Template Creation:

   • In the Administration Tool, expand your vault.
   • Expand the Templates node.
   • Right-click on Templates and select New Template. This action opens the New Template Wizard.

2. Define Template Name and Description:

   • In the New Template Wizard, on the Template Name screen, you'll set the primary identifiers for your template:
     • Menu string: Enter the specific command or text that users will see and click in the New submenu within SOLIDWORKS PDM File Explorer (e.g., "New Part Template," "New Project Folder"). This is the user-facing name.
     • Name: Provide an internal name for the template. This name is used for administrative purposes within the PDM tool.
     • Description: Add a brief explanation of the template's function or purpose.
   • Click Next to proceed to the next configuration step.

3. Specify Files and Folders to Create:

   • On the Template Files and Folders screen, you define the items that will be generated by the template.
   • Add Files: Browse to and select existing files (e.g., a standard SOLIDWORKS part template, an assembly template, a blank drawing, a pre-formatted Word document) that will serve as the starting point for new documents.
   • Add Folders: Create an initial folder structure that the template will generate (e.g., "Designs," "Documentation," "Calculations").
   • For each added item, you can specify options like whether it's always created, optional, or if a user can rename it.

4. Configure Template Variables:

   • The Template Variables screen is where you map template-specific variables to existing PDM data card variables.
   • Add Variables: Define variables (e.g., PartNumber, Description, ProjectName) that will either capture user input or be automatically populated by the system.
   • Map to PDM Variables: Link these template variables to corresponding variables on your PDM data cards to ensure data integrity.
   • Default Values & Prompts: Set default values, link to system properties (like $DATE$), and define the questions or prompts users will see on the input form.

5. Design the Input Form Layout:

   • On the Input Form Layout screen, you design the user interface that gathers information when the template is run.
   • Drag and drop the variables you defined in the previous step onto the form.
   • Arrange them logically, add labels, and select appropriate control types (text boxes, drop-down lists, checkboxes) to create an intuitive and easy-to-use form.

6. Define Post-Creation Actions:

   • The Actions screen allows you to specify tasks that SOLIDWORKS PDM will automatically perform immediately after the files and folders are created by the template.
   • Common actions include:
     • Check In: Automatically check in the newly created files to the vault.
     • Set State: Transition the new files or folders to a specific workflow state (e.g., "Work In Progress," "Under Review").
     • Set Permissions: Apply specific folder or file permissions.
     • Notifications: Send email notifications to users or groups.

7. Set Template Permissions:

   • On the Permissions screen, you control which users or groups are allowed to use this specific template.
   • Assign the "Can use template" permission to relevant PDM groups or individual users to ensure only authorized personnel can generate items using this template.

8. Finalize and Test the Template:

   • Click Finish to save your new template configuration.
   • Thorough Testing: Before deploying the template to all users, it is crucial to test it rigorously. Log in to SOLIDWORKS PDM File Explorer as an administrator or a test user and try creating new files/folders using your new template. Verify that:
     • The correct files and folders are created.
     • Variables are populated accurately.
     • The input form functions as expected.
     • All defined actions (check-in, state changes, permissions) are executed correctly.

Key Considerations for Effective Template Deployment

• Standardization: Templates are ideal for enforcing company-wide standards for document creation, naming, and data properties.
• Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks, reducing manual effort and potential errors.
• User Adoption: Design clear and concise input forms to encourage user adoption and minimize confusion.
• Version Control: Ensure your base template files (like part.prtdot or drawing.drwdot) are themselves version-controlled in PDM.

Example Template Use Cases:

Use Case	Description	Benefits
New Part/Assembly Creation	Generates a new SOLIDWORKS part or assembly using a specified template, prompting for part number, description.	Ensures consistent file properties, automatic numbering, and correct data card population.
New Drawing Generation	Creates a new SOLIDWORKS drawing, linking it to an existing model and populating title block information.	Standardizes drawing formats, ensures accurate metadata, and reduces manual errors.
New Project Folder Structure	Sets up a predefined, multi-level folder hierarchy for a new project, asking for project name and number.	Guarantees consistent project organization from the outset, improving findability.
New Document (e.g., ECO)	Creates a new engineering change order document (e.g., Word, Excel) with pre-filled fields.	Standardizes critical business processes and ensures all necessary information is captured.

By strategically implementing SOLIDWORKS PDM templates, organizations can significantly enhance productivity, improve data quality, and maintain a highly organized and efficient engineering environment. For comprehensive details on advanced template parameters and scripting, consult the official SOLIDWORKS PDM documentation.