How To Use the Export Files Task in SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler

Problem

Manually exporting multiple SOLIDWORKS files as a different file type can be very time consuming. The Export Files task can be used to export individual or bulk-export entire folders as such without having to perform each export separately.

This article will show how to use the Export Files task in the SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler. You can find a full list of tasks performed by the Task Scheduler here: Automating Tasks After Hours – Hawk Ridge Systems

Solution: Use Export Files Task

Follow the steps below to set up and use the Export Files task:

1. Open SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler and choose the Export Files task.

   

   Steps 2-9 will reference the image below:

   

2. Create a Task title if needed.
3. Choose the Export file type desired for this task.
4. Select Add File... or Add Folder... to choose the documents that need to be exported. Either files or folders can be specified. You cannot select both.
   • If adding individual files: use the button 'Add File...' > browse to the file's location > select the file > click "Open."
   • If adding folders which contain the files that need to be exported: use the button 'Add Folder...' > browse to the folder's location > select the folder > click "Select Folder." You can then check on "Include subfolders" to include files in subfolders.
5. The folder(s) or file(s) will display in the table. A specific File Name or Type can be chosen when selecting folders so only drawings, for example, will be exported from a folder.
6. Under Task schedule, the "Running mode" can be set to Once, Daily, Weekly, or Monthly. Note that if the Start time is set in the past before clicking "Finish," the task will start immediately.
7. Under Task output folder, you can specify where the exported files will be stored.
8. Click Options... to view and set export options specific to that file type.
9. Select Advanced... to access the options below:
   • Set the Task Working Folder location. The task working files can include backup files, reports, etc.
   • Set when the task would timeout, ending the task regardless of if the task has been completed or not.
   • Run SOLIDWORKS in the background while minimized or not.
10. Once the task has been configured, click Finish to queue the task. You can verify if the task has been queued or completed in the Task Scheduler Menu.

SOLIDWORKS will launch itself, perform the task when scheduled, and close itself automatically once the task has been completed. Once the task is completed, the exported files will be in the location specified in the Task Output Folder.

Available Export File Types

The available selections for the export file type are listed below.

For further technical support, please contact Hawk Ridge Systems at 877.266.4469 for the U.S. or 866.587.6803 for Canada and support@hawkridgesys.com.