Preview SW Parts/Drawings in Windows Explorer ?

[SWVB101]

Does anyone know if it is possible to preview Drawings / Models in Windows Explorer (for Win XP)?

Like the way Pictures, Videos, html, etc... are previewed in that little frame on the left (if the folders and everything else is off)

If so, I think you would need to tweak the registery...

If anyone knows how, please share the solution with me, so I don't spend to much time looking into it ;-)

Thanks in advance,
-Josh

 

[Theophilus]

I'm not sure what you're looking to view exactly, since models aren't 2D items. However, if you don't like E-Drawings, and you aren't afraid of a little programming, you can check out ModelPress. I believe it's a free download you can add to your web site, along with saved models that can be observed with or without certain parts shown and in full spherical rotation.

http://www.modelpress.com

Jeff Mowry
Industrial Designhaus, LLC

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Open Windows Explorer, then select "Tools > Folder Options > select Show common tasks in folders > hit OK or enter"

Maximize the window & expand "Details" & you should see a preview, albeit low quality & distorted, of SW parts, assemblies & drawings.

My system has always shown the previews & I did not have to create any scripts or do any registry tweaks.

Hope this helps...If it does not then maybe it is a graphics card "problem".


CorBlimeyLimey
Barrie, Ontario
faq559-863

 

[automationbabe]

In SolidWorks under Tools>Options>General there's a "show graphics in in Window explorer" option that you can select. Not sure what the resolution on the drawings would be, but you get a good idea of the model.

 

[sam53]

While in explorer, click on VIEW then THUMBNAILS and you get a preview of SW parts PDF files spreadsheets Etc. ACAD drawings don't seem to show up though.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

automationbabe is right. I had forgotten that switch. SW must load a plug-in or ? for Windows Explorer to view SW files.


CorBlimeyLimey
Barrie, Ontario
faq559-863

 

[SWVB101]

BTW...

I am running SW 2001+ on Win XP Pro

My SW does have that option, and I checked it, but I don't see any differnce in explorer...

It does show the previews in the SW Open Dialog, (and always has) but it does not show the previews in Explorer...

I might try restarting my pc later on today and I will post the results back here if it works.

In the mean time, are there any other Ideas?

 

[rporter]

SWVB101

While in windows explore select tools>folder options>under web view make sure that enable web content is selected.
I am running win 2000 and soldiworks 2003.
I dont know if it will work for sw 2001+.