Pointing SOLIDWORKS to the correct tools, libraries and template file locations will eliminate errors that result in a loss of productivity. This article will outline the default file locations used by SOLIDWORKS, provide examples of common user errors experienced due to incorrect file location settings, as well as provide best practice recommendations.
How to Set the Default Path
Before following the steps outlined below, ensure that you have SOLIDWORKS session open. Once you have a SOLIDWORKS session open,
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Click on Tools
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Click on Options
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On the System Options tab, select File Locations
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From the Show folder for: drop down menu, choose the folder you want to set the location for.
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Click on add to point SOLIDWORKS to the location. Use the list below for the default locations.
List of Common Default Paths
| Property | Path |
| Document Templates | C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS version\templates C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english\Tutorial |
| Bend Table Template | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english |
| BOM Templates | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english |
| Color Swatches | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english\colorswatches |
| Costing templates | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english\Costing templates |
| Custom Property Files | C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS version\lang\english |
| Design Library | C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS version\Design Library |
| Dimension/Annotation Favorites | C:\Users\user\Documents |
| DimXpert Callout Format File | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english |
| Hole Callout Format File | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english |
| Hole Table Templates | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english |
| Punch Table Templates | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english |
| Revision Table Templates | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english |
| Search Paths | C:\SOLIDWORKS Data\ |
| Sheet Formats | C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS version\lang\english\sheetformat |
| Sheet Metal Bend Line Note File | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english |
| Sheet Metal Bend Tables | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english\Sheetmetal Bend Tables |
| Sheet Metal Gauge Table | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english\sheet metal gauge tables |
| Sustainability Report Template Folder | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english |
| Symbol Library Folder | C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS version\lang\english |
| Title Block Table Template | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english |
| Weld Table Template | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english |
| Weldment Cut List Templates | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english |
| Weldment Profiles |
2021 and before --- C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english\weldment profiles 2022 and after --- C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\data\weldment profiles |
| Weldment Property File | C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\lang\english\Weldments |
Similarly many issues are resolved by point SOLIDWORKS to the correct location for the Hole Wizard/Toolbox Folder. To set SOLIDWORKS to point to the correct folder, follow the steps outlined below:
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Click on Tools
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Click on Options
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On the System Options tab, select Hole Wizard/Toolbox
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In the Hole Wizard and Toolbox Folder field, set the following path C:\SOLIDWORKS Data <of installation version>\
Example Errors
Sheet metal gauge tables not pointing to the correct file.
Sheet format pointing to the incorrect file
Sheet format pointing to the correct file
Attempting to access Toolbox when SOLIDWORKS is pointing to the incorrect folder.
Symbols Library File pointing to the incorrect file location.
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Symbols Library File pointing to the correct file location.
Recommendations
Saving your custom templates in a re-usable and easy to find folder makes sharing your work with coworkers or changing a machine as effortless as possible. As per Hawk Ridge Systems best practice, it is recommended you create a folder, perhaps called SOLIDWORKS Custom Template, in a known location to save your custom templates in. Within that folder, you may create sub-folders for your different templates. Once you have created the folder you want, follow the process described above to point SOLIDWORKS to the template folders created.
For further assistance, please contact our HawkSupport team at 877-266-4469(US) or 866-587-6803(Canada) and support@hawkridgesys.com.
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