When starting with a table template, the “ Edit Columns” option is checked by default. To customize and edit the columns in your bills of materials, you must first verify that this option is indeed checked:

- or by right-clicking on a column.

- or in the " Table Template " drop-down menu.


 


When this option is unchecked, clicking on a column header sorts the data alphabetically (or numerically) in ascending or descending order.

A project must include at least one bill of materials, and that bill of materials must use a table template. A template is included by default in the utility's installation directory.

Once the " Edit Columns " option is enabled, you can modify column information (add, edit, delete, etc.).

However, if this option is not checked, you will no longer be able to add a column, change the case of the information in the column, or even access this dialog box by clicking on a column header.

Let's assume that the " Edit Columns " option is checked.


 


" Column Type ": Select the type of information to retrieve from this list.

    

Every time a column is edited, the tab icon changes to alert you that you need to save the table template (XML).

The indicates that the table is up to date.

The indicates that the table has been modified and must be saved.


  


Once you have applied the processing to the document, you will see the bills of materials defined in your project.

Once the " Enable Property Editing " option is checked, you have full control over the contents of the bill of materials.

By right-clicking on a row, you can:

  • Move the BOM component line up or down (the numbering is not updated automatically).
  • Copy/Cut/Paste a BOM line (the numbering is not updated automatically).
  • Delete a BOM line (the numbering is not updated automatically).
  • Open the part in "SOLIDWORKS."
  • Automatically open a Windows Explorer window showing the location of the component.
  • Add an additional column.
  • Delete the column you right-clicked on. Check the context menu (in parentheses) to make sure it is the name of the column you want to delete.
  • Change the case of a column; convert all information to uppercase or lowercase. This change is not reflected in the 3D document's properties.


By double-clicking on a piece of information, you can edit its content. These changes will automatically be reflected in the 3D document's properties, except for properties managed by SOLIDWORKS, such as "File Name," "Material," etc. Therefore, you do not need to open each component to make changes to custom properties.