The 3DEXPERIENCE platform includes a wide range of powerful, web-based apps, but many teams prefer to continue designing in the familiar SOLIDWORKS desktop environment. The good news? You don’t have to choose one or the other.

By combining SOLIDWORKS desktop with the Design with SOLIDWORKS connector, you can keep your existing workflows and interface while taking full advantage of cloud-based file storage, sharing, and collaboration.

In this article, we’ll walk through:

• Installing the Design with SOLIDWORKS connector

• Launching SOLIDWORKS with the 3DEXPERIENCE connection enabled

• Saving files directly to the platform

• Managing your local cache for best performance

Installing Design with SOLIDWORKS

First, once your 3DEXPERIENCE tenant is activated, or you’ve been invited to an existing one , linking SOLIDWORKS desktop to the platform is quick and straightforward.

• In the 3DEXPERIENCE interface, click the Compass icon in the upper-left corner.

• Scroll down to My Apps and locate Design with SOLIDWORKS.

• Select the app to begin the installation.

During installation, you’ll be prompted to:

• Install all granted roles, or

• Install only the roles required for the Design with SOLIDWORKS connector

The installer will then allow you to choose:

• The installation directory

• The location of your 3DEXPERIENCE cache

By default, the cache is stored in C:\3DEXPERIENCE. Since the cache is managed directly from within SOLIDWORKS, you typically won’t need to access this folder manually.

Once installation is complete, the connector is added to your system.

Enabling the 3DEXPERIENCE Add-In in SOLIDWORKS

Before using the connector, take a moment to confirm the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in is enabled in SOLIDWORKS.

• Launch SOLIDWORKS.

• Go to Settings > Add-Ins.

• Verify that the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in is installed and checked.

This ensures SOLIDWORKS can communicate properly with the platform.

Launching SOLIDWORKS with the Connector

One important workflow change to be aware of is how you launch SOLIDWORKS.

• Launching SOLIDWORKS from a desktop shortcut or system search opens the standard desktop version without the 3DEXPERIENCE connection.

• To use the connector, launch Design with SOLIDWORKS instead.

This starts SOLIDWORKS with full 3DEXPERIENCE functionality enabled.

You can also:

• Use the dropdown next to Design with SOLIDWORKS to check for updates or uninstall

• Create a dedicated desktop shortcut for Design with SOLIDWORKS, allowing you to access cloud functionality without opening a web browser

Saving Files to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

Once connected, saving files to the cloud is seamless.

You can:

• Use Save to 3DEXPERIENCE from the File menu (alongside Save and Save As), or

• Use the 3DEXPERIENCE Task Pane, added by the add-in

The task pane lets you:

• Browse your tenant

• Search for existing data

• Right-click and save files directly to the platform

And if needed, you can still save files locally, the connector doesn’t force you into a cloud-only workflow.

Managing the 3DEXPERIENCE Cache

When you open or edit files stored on the platform, they’re downloaded locally to your 3DEXPERIENCE cache. Keeping this cache clean can significantly improve performance.

The 3DEXPERIENCE add-in makes cache management easy:

• Delete individual cached files

• Use the cleanup tool to remove files older than a specified date

The cleanup utility is smart. It automatically skips:

• Files referenced by assemblies

• Files not yet saved to the platform

• Files that are currently locked

This helps you clear space without risking your data.

Final Thoughts

The Design with SOLIDWORKS connector bridges the gap between SOLIDWORKS desktop and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, giving you the best of both worlds. You get cloud-based collaboration and data management without changing how you design.

If you need help installing the connector, optimizing your workflow, or rolling this out to your team, your Solidxperts team is here to help.

Looking to learn more?

• Explore additional articles and tutorials

• Connect with other users and experts

• Or reach out to us! We’re always happy to help you get the most out of your tools

One of the biggest advantages of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is having your files stored securely in the cloud. You can access your designs anytime, anywhere, and collaborate with teammates without worrying about version control.

Behind the scenes, SOLIDWORKS uses a local cache, a folder on your computer where files are temporarily stored while you work. These cached files are then synced with the 3DEXPERIENCE servers when you save or refresh.

Managing this cache is key to keeping your designs current, preventing confusion, and saving disk space. Let’s take a closer look.

Where to Find the 3DEXPERIENCE Cache

Think of 6W Tags as smart labels that make it easy to filter, sort, and find your files in 3DSpace or 3DDrive.

Your cache shows up both in SOLIDWORKS (via the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in) and in Windows Explorer. While you can browse the cache folders directly, we don’t recommend managing them that way. Instead, stick to the tools built into SOLIDWORKS.

Here are the default folder locations:

• SOLIDWORKS Desktop with the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in:
  C:\3DEXPERIENCE

• SOLIDWORKS Connected:
  C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\DassaultSystemes\3DEXPERIENCE

Managing the Cache Inside SOLIDWORKS

When you enable the “3DEXPERIENCE Files on This PC” add-in, you’ll see a dedicated tab in the Task Pane. This view shows you all cached files with helpful details like:

• Status

• Lock Status

• Maturity State

From here, you can quickly refresh your cache to make sure you’re always working with the latest version.

• Refresh View updates the local cache for selected files.

• Refresh from Server checks for changes made by other users and downloads the latest copy if needed.

• Starting a new SOLIDWORKS session automatically refreshes files in the background.

Understanding Cache Status Icons

The status icons make it easy to tell if your local files are current, out-of-date, or waiting to be uploaded. They also warn you if refreshing would overwrite changes you’ve made locally.

Pro tip: Always double-check before reloading from the server. Unsaved local edits will be lost.

Cleaning Up the 3DEXPERIENCE Cache

Over time, cached files can pile up and take up space. To keep things tidy (and ensure you’re pulling the latest versions from the cloud), it’s a good idea to clean your cache periodically.

Here’s how:

1. In the Task Pane, select individual files, or use the top-left checkbox to select all.

2. Right-click and choose “Delete from this PC.”

This only removes files from your local cache. Your data stays safe in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

You can also use:

• Filters to find specific file types.

• The search box to locate files quickly.

And before you delete, always confirm your files are saved and synced to the platform.

Automating Cache Clean-Up

Don’t want to do it manually? The Clean Up command takes care of it for you.

• By default, it removes unchanged files older than one week.

• Locked or modified files won’t be touched.

• If you open an assembly later, any missing references are automatically redownloaded from the server.

If disk space isn’t a concern, you can extend the timeframe to reduce how often files get cleared. It is especially useful if your internet connection is slow.

A Simple Habit for Staying Up to Date

The local 3DEXPERIENCE cache is like a bridge between your desktop and the cloud. Keep it clean, refresh it often, and you’ll always know you’re working with the latest designs.

Want to get even more out of your 3DEXPERIENCE platform? Our training sessions are designed to help you and your team take full advantage of its powerful tools.

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform isn’t just about CAD in the cloud. It’s your all-in-one workspace where design, data management, and collaboration come together. Whether you’re sketching with xShape, modeling in xDesign, or connecting to SOLIDWORKS, the platform helps keep everything, and everyone, in sync.
But let’s be honest: every engineering project generates mountains of data. 3D models, drawings, BOMs, simulations, even invoices and Word docs. It all piles up. The good news? The platform makes it easy to organize and navigate this information with a powerful tool called 6W Tags.

What Are 6W Tags?

Think of 6W Tags as smart labels that make it easy to filter, sort, and find your files in 3DSpace or 3DDrive.

And it’s not just CAD data. Office documents, simulation results, and more can all benefit from tagging.

Here’s how the 6Ws break down:

• What: Type of content (CAD models, documents, simulations, tasks, etc.)
• Who: The person who uploaded, edited, revised, or owns the data
• When: Date or time range
• Where: Geolocation or data source
• How: Manufacturing method (made in-house or purchased)
• Why: Links to project or task management

Out of the box, the system automatically fills in basics like owner, location, and save date. But the real power comes when your team adds custom tags. For example, you can include project numbers, material types, or vendor names so searches are tailored to your company’s workflow.

How to Use 6W Tags

Let’s say you search for “bolt” in 3DEXPERIENCE. Without filters, you might get hundreds (if not thousands) of results. That’s where 6W Tags shine.

Click the tag icon next to the search bar, then start narrowing your results. For example:

• Under What, choose Physical Product (to exclude tasks or documents).
• Add a Material filter for Stainless Steel.

By stacking filters, your results go from overwhelming to precise in just a few clicks.

Real-World Examples

In one test, a simple search brought back over 1,000 results. But after filtering with 6W Tags for “Physical Product” and “Plain Carbon Steel,” the number of results dropped down to two digits. That’s the power of smart filtering.

Beyond search, 6W Tags can be used visually inside apps. For example, parts can be color-coded by material in the graphics area, giving you an instant overview of your design.

From Data Overload to Data Control

Data shouldn’t slow you down and with 6W Tags, it won’t. Whether you’re hunting down a single file or organizing entire projects, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform helps you stay in control.

Want to learn more tips like this? Our experts at Solidxperts can help you get the most out of your 3DEXPERIENCE environment. Reach out anytime or join one of our training sessions!

One of the biggest strengths of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is how it brings your team together. With SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services, you get built-in data management, making it simple to collaborate with colleagues, keep projects organized, and even access your designs on the go.

Whether you’re working in SOLIDWORKS Connected or traditional SOLIDWORKS combined with Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS, you have a direct link to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, so opening, saving, and managing your model data feels seamless.

But here’s the thing: design work goes beyond just parts and assemblies. You also rely on libraries, weldment profiles, sheet metal gauge tables, templates, routing components, and more. Keeping those libraries in sync across your team is just as important as managing your models. And with 3DEXPERIENCE, you can centralize those libraries too.

Step 1: Create Your Library Structure

Start in the Bookmark Editor app (in your web browser). Create a clean folder structure for your templates and libraries, with subfolders for each type. Then, simply drag and drop your files into place.

This way, your team has one organized hub for all shared resources.

Step 2: Set Up Weldment Profiles

For weldments, it’s best to stick with a consistent naming convention: Standard → Type → Size.

We also recommend customizing your standard names to keep them separate from the defaults SOLIDWORKS provides. For example, you might create a standard called “Xperts – ANSI Inch”.

Once you’ve named things properly, drag your weldment profile files (or entire folders) from Windows File Explorer directly into your 3DEXPERIENCE bookmark. Quick, easy, and ready to use.

Step 3: Connect Libraries to SOLIDWORKS

Inside SOLIDWORKS, go to System Options → File Locations. When you add a new location, choose “Select from 3DEXPERIENCE”.

This links SOLIDWORKS to your bookmarks, syncing the content down to your local cache (usually found at C:\Users\Public\Documents\SOLIDWORKS). You’ll notice the linked locations show up in brackets, confirming they’re tied to the platform.

To make sure you’re always up to date, just click Update. SOLIDWORKS will pull the latest versions from 3DEXPERIENCE, keeping your whole team in sync.

Step 4: Keep Your Libraries Updated

Need to update a file? Head back into the Bookmark Editor in your browser, right-click the file, and select Update. Browse for the new version locally, and the platform will take care of the rest.

Once it’s updated in 3DEXPERIENCE, users just need to hit Update in their SOLIDWORKS options to refresh their local cache. Simple, controlled, and consistent.

Why This Matters

Storing your libraries and templates alongside your design data gives you the same benefits: revision control, lifecycle management, and a single source of truth for your team.

We focused on weldment profiles here, but the same approach works for routing components, sheet metal gauge tables, and more. With SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services + 3DEXPERIENCE, you’re not just managing files. You’re creating a smarter, more connected workflow for your entire team.

At Solidxperts, we love helping teams get the most out of their tools. Setting up your libraries in 3DEXPERIENCE is a small step that makes a big impact on collaboration, efficiency, and design quality.