Problem

To enhance a SOLIDWORKS Drawing, it is currently possible to insert static pictures. However, if those pictures are changed later, they would need to be inserted into the SOLIDWORKS Drawing. There is a way to insert the pictures as linked objects from Insert > Object. When a picture file is inserted this way, it will just show up as an icon instead of the actual image. 

Solution

The problem is that Windows does not know which program to use to show a correct preview of the embedded object. We need to edit the registry and tell Windows to use Paint to display the image correctly.

When going into the Registry Editor, do not modify or delete anything except what is listed below. If you do not feel comfortable performing the steps listed below, please contact Technical Support.

1. Close all programs, including SOLIDWORKS
2. Open Windows Search, search for REGEDIT, and then hit Enter to open the Registry Editor

3. Create a backup of the Windows Registry following the steps here: How to back up and restore the registry in Windows | Microsoft Support
4. Navigate to: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.jpg
5. Double-click the string value for "Default" to edit it
6. Change the value from jpgfile to Paint.Picture
   
7. Close the registry editor and, restart SOLIDWORKS, and try to insert the object again.

Once the object is reinserted, it should now look like the following in the drawing.

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