Is ʼPack and Goʼ the safest way to move a project to another computer in SolidWorks?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in SolidWorks, Pack and Go is usually the safest standard way to move a project to another computer because it copies the assembly, parts, drawings, and referenced files into one package while updating references. It’s the most common professional transfer method. Limitation: it will not fix missing files that were already unresolved before packaging.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: Pack and Go only collects files SolidWorks can currently resolve from the active model. If your assembly already has suppressed, lightweight, or missing external references, the package can transfer an incomplete project and still appear successful.

How to Move a Project Safely in SolidWorks

  • Command: Pack and Go

  • Shortcut: None by default

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Open the top-level assembly or drawing, then go to File > Pack and Go.
    2. In the Pack and Go dialog, review the file list and enable a real option such as Include drawings or Include suppressed components if needed.
    3. Choose Save to Folder or Save to Zip File, confirm the destination, then click Save.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Include drawings

  • Expert Setting: Turn this on when transferring a full project release set, because SolidWorks drawings often reference the same parts and assemblies separately. If you leave it off, the 3D model may open correctly on the new computer while the production drawings are missing.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The top-level assembly contains unresolved or missing component references, so Pack and Go cannot include files it cannot find.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Files stored in read-only, PDM-controlled, or restricted network locations may not copy correctly to the target folder.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The user runs Pack and Go from a subassembly or part instead of the full project level, so related drawings or higher-level references are left behind.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: First open the top-level assembly and resolve all missing references, then run File > Pack and Go again with Include drawings enabled.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use Pack and Go for standard project handoff, archive copies, and moving work between computers. Avoid relying on it as a repair tool for broken references or as a substitute for proper PDM-controlled revision management.

FAQ

Does Pack and Go include drawings automatically?

No, only if Include drawings is enabled or the drawing is part of the selected file set.

Is Pack and Go better than copying files in Windows Explorer?

Yes, because it preserves SolidWorks file references much more reliably than manual copying.

Can Pack and Go move Toolbox components too?

Yes, but shared Toolbox workflows can still cause issues if the destination computer uses a different Toolbox setup.

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