How to Replace Model in SOLIDWORKS Drawing View

The latest version of SOLIDWORKS has the ability to replace model in SOLIDWORKS drawing view when the drawing is open.  In previous releases, the drawing would need to be closed and then go to File > Open, select the drawing file and click the References button to change the file references.

You can now modify the model reference when the drawing is open by going to Tools > Replace Model.

Replace Model Tool

You can choose to replace all views in the drawing, or specific parent views.

Browse for new model

The model reference is replaced in the drawing and it can be saved as a new file if required.  All dimensions will automatically be linked if the faces/edges are the same between models.  You may have some dangling dimensions that will need to be fixed if the geometry has changed.

Replaced model