Problem

Manually updating the custom properties of all associated SOLIDWORKS files can be time-consuming. The Update Custom Properties task can automate this process and complete it on a regular basis if needed.

This article will show how to use the Update Custom Properties task in SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler. For more information on other Task Scheduler Tasks, check out this article: Automating Tasks After Hours with SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler – Hawk Ridge Systems

Solution

The Update Custom Properties task can be used to update or modify Custom Properties. This is useful if changes were made to a model since the last time the documents were rebuilt or Properties need to be added. This can target individual files or whole folders.

Follow the steps below to set up and use the Update Custom Properties task:

1. Open SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler and choose the Update Custom Properties task

   

   Note: Steps 2-6 will reference the image below:

   

2. Create a custom Task title if needed
3. Add the file or folder that contains the documents that need to be updated. Either files or Folders can be specified, and both cannot be used at the same time. If adding individual files from different folders, use the Add File button and browse to the file. If there are folders where all files within need to be updated, use the Add Folder button to browse to the folder and use the "include subfolders" option as needed. Note: In this task, Part, Assembly, and Drawing file types can be selected.
4. Running mode can be set to Once, Daily, Weekly, or Monthly. If the Start time and Start date are set in the past, before clicking "Finish", the task will start immediately.
5. Click Advanced to change the working folder, time-out values, and other options

6. Click Next. The Custom Properties window will appear, allowing users to input the custom properties to add or modify.

   Note: Steps 7-12 will reference the image below:

   

7. Click on a row in the Name column to select an existing custom property name from the list or enter a name to create a new custom property.
8. In the Type column, select the custom property type (Text, Date, Number, Yes or No).
9. In the Value column, enter the custom property value depending on the type specified in the last step.
10. In the Configuration column, if the custom property affects configurations within the SOLIDWORKS document, enter the name of the configuration; otherwise, leave this blank.
11. Repeat steps 7-10 for additional custom properties
12. Click Finish to set the task in motion
13. SOLIDWORKS will launch itself, perform the actions according to the task, and close itself when the scheduled time is reached.

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