Starting in SOLIDWORKS 2024 Service Pack 2 (SP2), the 3D Interconnect translator is the only translator used when importing 3D CAD models.
Even when the Enable 3D Interconnect option is unchecked, SOLIDWORKS continues to use the 3D Interconnect translator and its associated functionality. This change is documented in the What’s New in SOLIDWORKS 2024.
This behavior can cause confusion, especially since the User Interface under Tools > Options > System Options > Import > General has not been updated to account for the change made to the 3D Translators. This means that the parameters for the Legacy Translator are still shown, despite having no effect on the import process. These parameters are highlighted in the image below.
This issue has been documented and can be tracked in the following BR.
BR10000377704 - In SOLIDWORKS 2024 SP2, the User Interface in Options > Import > General shows old parameters
User Interface
Because the user interface has not been updated to reflect the changes, it can be confusing to find the location where import settings are adjusted.
Enabling or disabling any of the Legacy Parameters will have no effect on the import process. Because of this, it is recommended to keep the Enable 3D Interconnect option checked to ensure the legacy parameters cannot be interacted with and avoid confusion.
Instead, it is advisable to set parameters under:
-
Navigate to Tools > Options > System Options > Import > STEP / IGES / ACIS (3D Interconnect).
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Navigate to Tools > Options > System Options > Import > Inventor / CATIA V5 / Creo / NX / Solid Edge (3D Interconnect).
Import Files Without Maintaining a 3D Interconnect Link
Users who previously disabled 3D Interconnect to avoid maintaining a link to the original CAD file can achieve similar behavior using specific settings.
- Navigate to Tools > Options > System Options > Import.
- Under General, uncheck Create 3D Interconnect links.
- Under General, check Create external files.
This configuration allows files to be imported without maintaining a live link to the source CAD data.
Re-Enable Legacy Translators Using the Windows Registry
In certain workflows, it may be necessary to use the legacy translators instead of 3D Interconnect. This can be accomplished by applying specific Windows registry keys.
When going into the Registry Editor, do not modify or delete anything except what is listed below. If you do not feel comfortable performing the steps listed below, please contact Technical Support.
The attached registry keys may be added to enable or disable the use of the legacy translator. The attached zip files contain 2 registry files. Follow the steps below to apply the registry key:
- Close SOLIDWORKS.
- Obtain the appropriate registry file depending on your version year:
- 20XX-LegacyTranslators-ON.reg to restore pre-2024 SP2 import behavior.
- 20XX-LegacyTranslators-OFF.reg to force 3D Interconnect-only behavior.
- Remove the
.txtextension from the registry file name if present. - Double-click the registry file.
- Confirm all registry prompts.
- Launch SOLIDWORKS.
When turning the legacy translators on, the 3D Interconnect setting still needs to be unchecked in Options > System Options > Import > General in order to use the legacy translator.
Note that these registry entries are stored under HKEY_CURRENT_USER. If SOLIDWORKS registry keys are reset or renamed during a clean installation or troubleshooting process, the registry file must be reapplied.
Identify Which Translator Is Being Used During Import
The translator in use can be identified by the progress dialog displayed during file import.
- Start importing a 3D CAD file.
- Observe the progress dialog that appears.
- Compare the dialog style to known 3D Interconnect or legacy translator progress windows.
3D Interconnect Translator
Legacy Translator
For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.
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