SOLIDWORKS Bill of Materials – Link vs Break cells

The SOLIDWORKS BOM typically includes columns linked to Custom Properties in the models.  Therefore changes to the Custom Properties in the model will update the drawing BOM.  Each cell is linked to the property of that component.  However if you double-click on a cell in the BOM, you have an option to Keep Link or Break Link.

SOLIDWORKS BOM Cell Link Options

SOLIDWORKS BOM Cell: Keep Link

If you choose ‘Keep Link’, it maintains the link to the model’s Custom Property.  You can change the value in the BOM cell and it will update the corresponding Custom Property in the component. The updates go both ways and remain linked.

SOLIDWORKS Bill of Materials Keep Link for Cells

SOLIDWORKS BOM Cell: Break Link

However if you choose ‘Break Link’, this cell is no longer linked to the Custom Property.  You are now manually entering a value.  This will not update the corresponding component’s Custom Property and likewise it won’t update from any changes on the component end.

SOLIDWORKS Bill of Materials Break Link for Cells

To re-link a cell that has been broken, double-click on the cell to edit and delete all text.  This will bring back the link and show the component’s Custom Properties.