Problem

This article goes over how to configure User Settings for the Toolbox. For more information on other Toolbox topics, review this article: Comprehensive Toolbox Guide

For best practices for sharing a Toolbox: What Are the Best Practices for Using a Shared SOLIDWORKS Toolbox? – Hawk Ridge Systems

Solution

Follow the steps below to modify the User Settings in the Toolbox:

1. In Windows Search, type "Toolbox Settings" to bring up Toolbox Settings 20XX and open it

2. Once the toolbox is open, select "Define user settings" to enter user settings

   

3. Within the User Settings menu, select the radio button “Always change read-only status of document before writing” if you would like users to be able to add new configurations of hardware to the Toolbox. This can be prevented by selecting the radio button “Error when writing to a read-only document”. This option is selected when you manage Toolbox component files from a PDM system.
4. If you would like Users to be able to create new sizes for Toolbox components, you must choose a method from steps 5-7 for storing the data in the Files section of the User Settings.
5. Create Configuration: Size information is stored as a configuration in the master part file. Whenever a fastener is dragged and dropped into an assembly. Behind the scenes, SOLIDWORKS opens up the Master Toolbox part file for the fastener. The user selects a size and any other custom properties. SOLIDWORKS checks the Master Part to see if the specified size already exists as a saved configuration. If it exists, the saved configurations will be used. This method is recommended for greater control over the management of the Toolbox database.
6. Create Part: Any new fasteners are saved as part files separate from the master part file for each new size specified. When assembly documents with Toolbox Fasteners are opened, SOLIDWORKS will look in the specified folder for the Toolbox Fastener first. If the fastener or folder is missing, SOLIDWORKS will look for the Master Model in the Toolbox library to generate the part. This option is recommended if you expect to be sharing files containing Toolbox fasteners because assemblies that have been sent using Pack and Go will contain references to actual part files rather than the Toolbox Master Part ,which may not be present for users who do not have the Toolbox Add-In.
7. Create Parts on Ctrl-Drag: An individual part file is created if you Ctrl-drag the fastener from the Toolbox Browser. A configuration is added to the master part file if you use a standard drag.

8. Part Numbers: Part Numbers are used to save favorite configurations of hardware in your toolbox. You can create more than one configuration of a part in the SOLIDWORKS Toolbox database with the same Part Number if the parts are geometrically equal. For example, you might want to change the value of a custom property but retain the same part number in the SOLIDWORKS Toolbox database because geometry is unchanged. 

9. Allow duplicate part numbers for geometrically equal components: Allow more than one part in the SOLIDWORKS Toolbox database with the same part number. In certain cases, you may want one part number for a variety of lengths of a toolbox component such as Unistrut or Structural Steel. If this behavior is desired, the setting must be enabled for each profile it should apply to.

   

10. Display Options: Here you can select different file properties to be used for Component Names, BOM Part Numbers, and BOM descriptions. For DIN, GB, ISO, and KS standards, the Designation can be used in place of Custom properties in FeatureManager or in the BOM. The Designation is listed at the component level.

11. Click the "Save" icon at the top left to save the Toolbox and close it

    

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