Can you collaborate with other users on the same file via the cloud in SolidWorks?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in SolidWorks, you can collaborate on the same file through the cloud most commonly by using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform with Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS and cloud data management. This lets multiple users access shared CAD data, manage revisions, and work from a common source. Limitation: true simultaneous editing of the exact same part is restricted by file locking.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If your SolidWorks files are not properly saved to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, users may unknowingly edit local copies instead of the managed cloud version. This commonly causes revision conflicts, broken references in assemblies, and overwritten work when syncing back.

How to Collaborate on the Same File in SolidWorks

  • Command: Save to 3DEXPERIENCE

  • Shortcut: [No default keyboard shortcut]

  • Quick Steps:

    1. In SolidWorks, open the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in and use Save to 3DEXPERIENCE from the task pane or top toolbar to upload the part, assembly, or drawing to the cloud platform.
    2. Set the file to the correct collaborative space and verify the maturity state or bookmark location before sharing it with teammates.
    3. Other users open the same managed file from the platform, then use the lock/unlock workflow to edit it while everyone else accesses the current cloud-controlled version.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Collaborative Space / Lock status

  • Expert Setting: The lock status controls who can modify the cloud-managed SolidWorks file. If a user does not acquire the lock before editing, they may only have read access or may create version conflicts depending on permissions and platform rules.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): Assembly references or in-context features may fail if linked components were not all saved to the same 3DEXPERIENCE workspace or revision set.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The file is locked by another user, or the collaborator lacks permission to modify the object in the assigned collaborative space.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Users expect live simultaneous editing of one native SolidWorks file, but the standard cloud workflow is controlled collaboration with check-in/check-out style file ownership.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Use Save to 3DEXPERIENCE, then confirm the file is in the correct collaborative space and explicitly obtain the file lock before making changes.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use cloud collaboration in SolidWorks for revision control, distributed teams, and shared assemblies, but avoid expecting Google Docs–style live co-editing on one native cad file.

FAQ

Can two users edit the same solidworks part at the exact same time?
Usually no, because the managed file is typically locked to one editor at a time.

Do I need PDM to collaborate through the cloud in SolidWorks?
No, the most common cloud method is through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform rather than on-premise PDM.

Can collaborators still review files without editing rights?
Yes, users can often open, view, and comment depending on their platform role and permissions.

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