How to link PDF Document Properties to SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional Data Card Variables

In SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional 2016 it’s possible to link PDF document properties with SOLIDWORKS PDM variables and create a two way relationship.

PDF Data Card

PDF Document Properties

How To Map Custom Properties to PDF Data Cards

First step is to create some variables for this information via Administration Tool > Variables > Right-Click > New Variable

New Variable from shortcut menu

This example I’ve named PDF_Author

PDF_Author

Next we need to link it to PDF Files. Click New Attribute > Enter the data as shown:

• Block Name = CustomProperty
• Attribute name = Author
• File Extension = pdf

Edit Variable

Create the remaining variables as per the following mappings;

Next we need to link this information in the .PDF file data card.  Create the applicable text and edit boxes, then link them to the variables.

Card Editor > PDF Card

Now the two way relationship is created and when a PDF is added to the vault the custom properties in the PDF will be updated on the data card and when a user updates variable values on the data card, the values are updated in the PDF document properties.

Learn more about SOLIDWORKS PDM

Attend our SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration training course to learn more about creating custom data cards and administering SOLIDWORKS PDM.