SOLIDWORKS PDM - Installing PDM

This article guides you through the process of downloading the necessary files, installing PDM client, and connecting to your server.

Downloading and installing PDM Client:
To install PDM client on your local PC you’ll first need to download a SOLIDWORKS file set from our website: 

Download the SOLIDWORKS version you intend to use. Unzip the downloaded SOLIDWORKS file and run Setup.exe to begin your installation.

Select “Install on this computer” and click “Next”:

On the following screen add your license and click next (if you are only installing the PDM client you do not need to add a license):

Under product selection select PDM client and click next:

On the Summary window, before installation, press “Change” beside SOLIDWORKS PDM Options.

You will be led to the SOLIDWORKS PDM Client Options window. Select the correct license version, and select the PDM client type and Add-ins:

For more information on Client types follow this link: https://help.solidworks.com/2022/english/SolidWorks/install_guide/c_pdm_clients.htm?verRedirect=1

For more information on Application Add-ins follow this link:
https://help.solidworks.com/2022/english/EnterprisePDM/FileExplorer/c_Application_Add-ins.htm?verRedirect=1

Click “Back to summary” in the bottom right corner when you’ve completed your selections and you will be taken back to “Summary” window. Tick the box to accept the terms, and then click “Install Now” in the bottom right corner:

A window will pop up to fill in the server address for your License Manager. Fill in the server address and click “OK”.

Connecting to your server:
Once the installation is complete you will need to connect your installed client to the PDM server. To do this press the Windows icon and scroll down to the SOLIDWORKS PDM Folder (or type administration) and click the Administration tool icon. 

In the administration tool right click the text “SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration” and select “Add server”:

In the add server window add the server name and press OK:


 You will see your server below the blue icon as such:

The next step is to create a vault view. The steps to creating a vault view are shown in this article SOLIDWORKS PDM – create local vault:
https://support.plmgroup.eu/hc/en-us/articles/9961333455261-SOLIDWORKS-PDM-create-local-vault