SOLIDWORKS Sequential Filenames

The problem with saving your SolidWorks files with meaningful names is that you will quickly run out of unique names.

This will result in having files with the same name, which can result in:

• Accidentally overwriting over an existing file.
• The wrong file being loaded into an assembly an/or drawing.
• Difficulties in identifying the correct file.
• The need to rename files (which if done incorrectly can lead to other issues)
• Preventing the proper use of data management systems.

Some will try to using part numbers as file names in order to keep the file names unique. but this also has some drawbacks:

• Some items (purchased items) do not have a part number.
• Part numbers are not often provided until later in the design process. This often requires renaming multiple files.

An alternative to meaningful file names or using part numbers is to use a 6 to 8 SOLIDWORKS Sequential Filenames numbering convention. This method prevents duplicate file names and eliminates the need to rename files. The numbers can be generated in an Excel spread sheet and as numbers are used, they can be crossed out. Alternatively Javelin’s PropertyLinks Pro has the ability to sequentially auto-generate unique numbers and save the file with these numbers.

Custom Properties

The one downside of using a sequential numbers for the file names, is that the number does not convey much information about the file. This can be addressed by adding a Description or  Part Number as custom or configuration specific property.

By right clicking on the file name in the Feature Manager, we can then choose to display custom property instead of the file (Component) name in the Feature Manager.

Tree display options

The Tree Display can be saved in a document template.