Problem

This article shows how to use the Create eDrawing task in the SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler. The Create eDrawings task in the SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler allows for SOLIDWORKS Part, Assembly, and Drawing files to be exported to eDrawings files. This can be done for multiple files of a specified type within a folder, which can be extremely useful for converting a batch of files. 

Solution

1. Select the "Create eDrawings" Task from the SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler 

   

2. Set up 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.
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. The Task output folder is where the eDrawings files that are created will be saved. This can be set to "Same as original file" to keep the source file location or set to "This Folder" to specify the folder to save. 
6. In the eDrawings Export Options, specify the following options:

• OK to measure this eDrawings file: This enables measurement of the geometry in this file. Recipients of the file can measure the geometry in the eDrawings Viewer. 
• Allow export to STL for parts & assemblies: Recipients of the file can save the file as an STL file from the eDrawings Viewer
• Save shaded data in drawings: For SOLIDWORKS Drawings only. This option will save the shaded data from the SOLIDWORKS Drawing document in the published eDrawings file. 
• Save table features to eDrawings file: If the part or assembly document that is being saved includes Bills of Materials or Title Block Tables, this option will include this information in the exported eDrawings file. 
• Save Motion Studies to eDrawings file: For models with SOLIDWORKS Motion Studies. Note: saving motion studies can increase file size and creation time.
• Include Layers set to not print: This option will include any layers in drawings that are set to "Will not print" from the Layers dialog box. 

7. In the Advanced option:

• Set where the task working folder is. The task working files can include backup files, reports, and so on.
• Set when the task will time out, ending the task whether or not the task completes.
• Run SOLIDWORKS in the background, minimized or not.

8. After everything is set up for the requirements, click Finish to set the task in motion.

   

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.