PDM Check out file after opening?

[BiPolarMoment]

Should be easy to search for this but I guess I'm using the wrong terms.

I have a file open from PDM that I did not check out when opening (i.e. "Read-only"); I made some changes that I'd like to save without having to save as a new file. Is there a way to check it out now that I already have it open such that I don't have to re-do the changes to the file?

I'm guessing no due to PDM not having any clue if the version I am working with started as the same version that is presently in the vault. In this case I happen to know it is and was hoping it was smart enough to check the as-saved state against what I started modifying.

The reason I care to do this is because the unique file name requirement would have me save as a new serialized part number which would ruin change history.

I hope that made sense.

 

[ctopher]

Yes, you can check out while open after changes. As long as you are using the current version. Otherwise you can lose past/current changes.

Chris, CSWP
SolidWorks
ctophers home

 

[BiPolarMoment]

Okay, then change my question to "how do I check out while presently open?" I've only either checked out items by manually clicking on the entry in PDM and selecting "Check out" or choosing to check out while in the process of opening, never while the file is presently open.

 

[ctopher]

Select PDM icon, click on file icon, click on check out.

Chris, CSWP
SolidWorks
ctophers home

 

[BiPolarMoment]

Hrm... we'll I've never used the task pane before but on your instruction I tried and do not see the same options, unfortunately.
The assembly (not checked out):

The drawing (checked out):

Is there some sort of interconnectivity that is not enabled?

 

[ctopher]

Sorry, I'm on 2019. Maybe try right-click? See if there is an option to check out.

Chris, CSWP
SolidWorks
ctophers home

 

[BiPolarMoment]

Well, Solidworks crashed at some point so I'll have to re-do the changes anyhow, but I'll try to find it next time I'm at work. Thanks for your consideration.

 

[SBaugh]

There is a split in the window, make sure you can see both sides. Also, it could be a permissions issue.

If the file is open in SW, you must check it out/in through SW task pane. If the file is not open then you can use Windows Explorer.

Scott Baugh, CSWP
Mechanical Engineer
Ciholas

https://www.ciholas.com/

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376

 

[matthewcsmith]

Can you right click on it in the file tree to check it out from there?

Which version of solidworks?

Are there other windows available on the task pane? I see others in addition to the info box.

 

[BiPolarMoment]

Ah, that may be the ticket Matt.

Never saw this context menu before:

I will try that next time it comes up.

To answer your other questions though:
Version: SW 2019 SP 55.0
Task pane: not sure what you mean other than the tabs for other unrelated things like custom properties, appearance, etc.; there is only one 'tab' for Solidworks PDM.

 

[matthewcsmith]

Yep, exactly what I was suggesting.

As far as the task pane, that's the toolbar options that are typically over on the right. I'll try to attach a screenshot.
Normally there would be more options/windows there than what you have shown in your screenshot. Perhaps the other boxes are there and just need expanded.

 

[BiPolarMoment]

I was in the middle of dismissing your suggestion because I couldn't find anything to "expand" but it turns out that there is a fine gray bar at the top that I can drag down to see the other information you are showing!

This is very strange to me because I did not make any settings changes myself that would have caused this. Now that I can see this information I also have the check-in/out buttons and such right there!

So silly.

Thanks for the help, all!