How To Use the Print Files Task in SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler

Problem

Manually printing a large batch of individual SOLIDWORKS files can be very time consuming. The Print Files task can automate this process and complete it on a regular basis if needed.

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

Note: Before initiating a print task with a large directory/file set, it is recommended to start with a smaller batch group of files/folders first. The duration for which the task runs on this test can assist in determining the overall length of a larger scale print operation.

Solution: Use Print Files Task

The Print Files task will print individual files or all files in a designated folder of a specified file type. Multiple files or folders may be selected for a single print task, but you cannot specify both files and folders in the same task.

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

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

   

   Steps 2-9 will reference the image below:

   

2. Create a Task title if needed.
3. Select Add File... or Add Folder... to choose the documents to print. 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 printed: 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.
4. 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 printed from a folder.
5. Under Task schedule, the "Running mode" can be set to Once, Daily, Weekly, or Monthly. If the Start time is set in the past before clicking "Finish," the task will start immediately.
6. Under Task output folder, you can specify the task to output the designated files/folders to their source destination or another specified folder.
7. Click Options... to open the Print dialog box where you can specify the printer to use. Here you will be presented with additional options to modify how the document(s) will be printed. 
8. 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.
9. Click Finish to set the task in motion after all requirements have been set up.

SOLIDWORKS will launch itself, perform the task when scheduled, and close itself automatically once the task has been completed.

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.