Solidworks Pack & Go – Inside of SOLIDWORKS PDM Copy Tree

Did you know that SOLIDWORKS PDM has a similar functionality to SOLIDWORKS Pack & Go? It is called “Copy Tree”. In this blog, we outline what Copy Tree does, how it is different than Pack & Go and other features it has.

What does Copy Tree do?

Similar to a Pack & Go where users can select a parent file and all its references to create a second instance that is unrelated to the original (kind of like creating a backup), SOLIDWORKS PDM has a similar functionality referred to as Copy Tree. This functionality is found in the vault and allows you to copy a parent file with its references to a destination.

To access Copy Tree, go in the vault view under Tools → Copy Tree.

Why Copy Tree instead of Pack & Go?

The major difference between Pack & Go and Copy Tree is that the documents need to be cached locally before a Pack & Go can be performed. If you have several files you want to copy, then first performing a “Get Latest Version” may be a bit of hassle.

In some instances when performing a Pack & Go, files are not automatically added to the vault which can also be a hassle to go and find all these files. It takes more time to select them all individually or as a group and right click → “Add to Vault”. This can be burdensome if the files are housed in separate folders.

What features does Copy Tree have?

SOLIDWORKS PDM Copy Tree has several unique features, including:

• Default Destination: Where is the copied file going?
• Transform: Modifies the file names of selected files
  • Adding prefix or suffix
  • Finding/replacing operation (find a value and replace with another value)
  • Renaming with the next predefined serial number

• Version to Use:
  • Latest: Files copied with the latest versions in the vault
  • Referenced: Referenced files may/may not be the “latest” depending on which version of file was used
• Copy Type:
  • Copy the file itself
  • Create a compressed Archive (.zip)
• Options:
  • Preserve Relative Paths: This maintains the folder structure of where files are located. If cleared, all referenced files are copied to same destination folder.
  • Include Drawings: Name the drawings after their models
  • Include Simulation
• Check in files with/without comment
• Filter Display to select particular files (supported wildcard characters: *, ?, %, -, ., “”)

Below is a sample file that was copied using the Copy Tree functionality.

Below are examples of Copy Tree features.

Example 1: Filtering by File Type

 

Example 2: Filtering by File Name

Example 3: Renaming with Serial Number Parts Only (No Assemblies)

Please note that Copy Tree is available in both SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional and SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard. Users must be working during online mode to use this functionality. You cannot be in offline mode. You are not required for the file to be checked in to perform this operation, but it is recommended. Copy Tree can only be performed into the vault and not outside.

So, next time when you are working in the PDM vault and need to create copy of a file, don’t go through the hassle of re-saving the document. Instead, simply use the Copy Tree functionality, and it will not only copy the file but will also maintain its references.

For more tips and tricks from our Application Engineers, take a look at other blogs in our Technical Support FAQ Series.