OpenSolidWorksFile Activity

Purpose: This activity opens a SolidWorks file in the local SolidWorks application. It supports opening part files (.SLDPRT), assembly files (.SLDASM), and drawing files (.SLDDRW). The activity returns a document ID that can be used to reference the opened document in subsequent activities.

Input Properties

FilePath

The full file path of the SolidWorks file to open.

Type: string

Required: Yes

Example: C:\Projects\MyPart.SLDPRT

Output Properties

DocumentId

Returns the document ID of the opened SolidWorks document. This ID can be used to reference the document in other activities.

Type: string

Note: If an error occurs, this will contain an error message starting with "Error: "

Usage Example

Scenario: Open a SolidWorks part file

Configuration:
- FilePath: "C:\Projects\MyAssembly\Part1.SLDPRT"

Result:
- DocumentId: "doc-12345" (or error message if failed)

Next Steps:
Use the DocumentId in subsequent activities to work with the opened document.

Supported File Types

Error Handling

Important: The activity handles errors gracefully:

  • If the file cannot be opened, the DocumentId output will contain an error message
  • If SolidWorks is not running, the activity will attempt to start it
  • If the file path is invalid, an error message will be returned

Always check the DocumentId output to ensure the file was opened successfully before using it in subsequent activities.

Important Notes

  • SolidWorks must be installed and licensed on the machine running the workflow
  • The file path must be accessible from the server/workflow execution environment
  • If a file is already open in SolidWorks, the activity will reference the existing document
  • The DocumentId is unique for each opened document session
  • Use the DocumentId in other SolidWorks activities to perform operations on the opened document
  • Remember to close documents when done to free up resources

Related Activities