Problem

This article walks through the steps necessary to change the license type for a SOLIDWORKS PDM Client. PDM uses a floating network license, which checks licenses out and in as users log in and out of PDM. There are three different types of licenses that can be used, depending on the functionality required by the end-user. 

Most SOLIDWORKS PDM users will use Editor & Web, and there are two other types as well. See the list below for detailed descriptions of the different license types:

1. SOLIDWORKS PDM Editor & Web: Editor is used by SOLIDWORKS users in the office connected via LAN to the PDM server will typically access the vault through SOLIDWORKS using this type to view, add, and modify files. Web is typically used by remote users to take advantage of a Web-based (Internet Explorer Active-X) thin client that supports working with all file types, including Microsoft Office applications. Please note that the web client does not have all the features found in the full client. No CAD Add-in or API support, as well as limited workflow capabilities.
    
2. SOLIDWORKS PDM Contributor & Web: Contributor is typically used by non-SOLIDWORKS users who will need to make frequent changes to non-SOLIDWORKS files. Typical files are Word/Excel or other related engineering documents. Web is typically used by remote users to take advantage of a Web-based thin client that supports working with all file types, including Microsoft Office applications. Please note that the web client does not have all the features found in the full client. No CAD Add-in or API support, as well as limited workflow capabilities.
    
3. SOLIDWORKS PDM Viewer: Commonly used by non-SOLIDWORKS users who require only read-only access to the vault. Users cannot add or modify(check out, check in, update values) files or use CAD add-ins.

Solution

1. Open the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration Tool
2. Click on the "Help" drop-down menu as shown in the image below

3. Click on "About SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration"
4. Select the desired Client type as illustrated below and click "OK". Note: For PDM Standard in the "Client type" drop-down box, users will see "SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard..." instead of "SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional...".

5. After selecting a different Client type, users will be prompted to restart their computer as shown below. Please save all work and close all applications before restarting.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.