Problem

Pack and Go combines all files related to a SOLIDWORKS model into a single folder or ZIP file while preserving references. It can include Parts, Assemblies, Drawings, Design Tables, Design Binder content, Decals, Appearances, Scenes, and SOLIDWORKS Simulation results. This makes it easy to share a complete model file set. For example, a Pack and Go of a drawing includes the drawing and all components used in its views. This article describes the Pack and Go interface, as well as how to produce a Pack and Go with various methods.  

Solution 1: Inside SOLIDWORKS

A Pack and Go of a model can be created in SOLIDWORKS by going to File > Pack and Go.

Solution 2: Windows File Explorer

Another method is to browse to the model in Windows File Explorer or the SOLIDWORKS Task Pane File Explorer, and right-click on the model to select SOLIDWORKS > Pack & Go using SOLIDWORKS File Utilities.

Solution 3: SOLIDWORKS 2020 and Older

For SOLIDWORKS 2020 and older, a Pack and Go of the model can also be made from the SOLIDWORKS Explorer by right-clicking on the SOLIDWORKS document and selecting the SOLIDWORKS Pack and Go icon.

Pack and Go Options

There are several Pack and Go options available in the Pack and Go dialog box. The image below shows all the options available within the Pack and Go dialog box.

The Pack and Go window lists the names and file locations of the original files, as well as the names and locations of the files included in the new Pack and Go. To view the file names based on their parent/child relationships, select the Nested view option. Choosing the Flat view option will position all file names to the left margin. The text within the columns can be quickly replaced by utilizing the Select/Replace… button. Select/Replace… also can check or uncheck items within the Pack and Go.  

The location of the Pack and Go can be specified by selecting the Save to folder: or Save to Zip file: option and browsing to the output location by selecting Browse. An optional suffix or prefix can be added to each of the file’s names within the Pack and Go by choosing the Add prefix: and Add suffix: option.

Enabling the options Include drawings, Include simulation results, Include Toolbox components, Include custom decals, appearances and scenes, and Include default decals, appearances and scenes adds the associated drawings, simulation reports, referenced Toolbox components, user-created and default decals, appearances and scenes, respectively, into the Pack and Go.  

Starting in SOLIDWORKS 2024, the Save to previous version of SOLIDWORKS option allows the user to save the files backwards up to 2 years (i.e., in SOLIDWORKS 2024, you could back save the files to SOLIDWORKS 2022 or 2023 format). Note: Saving a file back two years will not be able to save back further, such as saving from SOLIDWORKS 2026 to 2024 and then attempting to use Save Back in 2024 will show an error.

If the Flatten to single folder is enabled, all files in the Pack and Go will be saved to the top level of the specified destination folder. Disabling the option will maintain the folder structure of the files as subfolders in the destination folder.

The Pack and Go options also simplify sending zip files through emails. If the Save to a zip file is enabled, the Email after packaging option becomes available. Email after packaging automatically attaches the Pack and Go file to an email message if Microsoft Outlook is set up.

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