Users who work in a SOLIDWORKS PDM vault often need to generate links to documents in the vault. Since the PDM vault is duplicated in a local folder on the workstation, it is difficult to obtain a valid link for any particular configuration.

A feature built into SOLIDWORKS PDM now allows you to create this link.

In addition to creating these same links, the CopyLink tool in the myPDMtools suite allows you to quickly generate a fully customizable table that includes links and metadata for a multi-select of files, as well as an introduction and a conclusion.



 


To configure a message template that contains a table, simply launch myPDMtools, then select the CopyLink section:


 


We're now going to "Add" an advanced CopyLink menu:


 



Next, you need to name the context menu that will appear when you right-click on a file or a list of files:



 



Then create a PDMMessage template by clicking on



This window allows you to fully customize the message that will be sent:


 


After naming the template, we will set up the recipients by clicking on

In this example, we'll select a fixed recipient, but the recipient can also be specified:

  • In a PDM variable
  • Based on conditions
  • Depending on the location of the files being processed


 



By clicking "Settings," you can configure the email content for each section:


 



For example, for the introduction, we'll add a simple piece of text:


 


Next, we'll define an array that will allow us to display the file's PDM and system variables, or links that will allow us to view or open the file, for example:


 


Finally, we'll add a conclusion that will end the email with the name of the logged-in user who opened the CopyLink advanced menu:


 


Once you have finished configuring the CopyLink advanced menu, simply right-click on the desired selection of files to open the new context menu: