Install PDM Client & Set Up PDM Web Client – Complete Guide for SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard and Professional

1. What is a PDM Client and Why Does Installation Matter?

Installing the PDM client is the first step to enable secure, version-controlled access to your SOLIDWORKS design data. Whether you're running PDM Standard or PDM Professional, you’ll need a correctly configured client to connect to the vault, check files in and out, and integrate directly with SOLIDWORKS.

• PDM Standard: Bundled with SOLIDWORKS Professional/Premium, uses SQL Express
• PDM Professional: Full enterprise solution using SQL Server, supports Web2 access

Still unclear on the differences? Our detailed guide on PDM in Engineering breaks down use cases and scaling challenges.

2. Before You Install: Requirements & Preparations

Ensure you meet all technical prerequisites before installing:

• Supported OS: Windows 10/11 Pro/Enterprise (no macOS support natively)
• Matching client/server versions (same year release)
• Windows Admin privileges
• Network access to PDM vault and Archive Server

More detail available in our guide on SOLIDWORKS PDM System Requirements.

3. Install the SOLIDWORKS PDM Windows Client

3.1 Installation Steps

1. Run setup.exe from the SOLIDWORKS installation package
2. Select "Modify" or "Install Individual" installation
3. Choose SOLIDWORKS PDM Client in product selection
4. Configure for Standard or Professional edition
5. Select the client type: CAD Editor, Contributor, or Viewer
6. Complete installation and launch "View Setup"

3.2 Create Local Vault View

• Run View Setup and connect to your Archive Server
• Select your vault, set a local path (e.g., C:\Vault)
• Log in with PDM credentials to validate connection

3.3 Post-Install Configuration

• Verify license availability (for PDM Pro)
• Check SOLIDWORKS integration via Add-ins
• Customize explorer view & test check in/out

Want to reuse files while preserving references? Use the built-in Copy Tree function.

4. Set Up the SOLIDWORKS PDM Web Client (Web2)

Web2 allows browser-based access to a PDM Professional vault from any device (Windows, Mac, or mobile).

4.1 Server Setup

• Install Web2 via SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager on IIS-enabled server
• Configure IIS site, user permissions, and SSL (if external access needed)
• Point Web2 to an existing local vault view

4.2 User Access

• Login via browser using URL like http://yourserver/SOLIDWORKSPDM
• Supports downloads, check-in/out, basic workflows

For deeper collaboration across teams, check out Collaborative Product Data Management.

5. PDM on Mac OS: What Works and What Doesn’t

There is no native macOS PDM client. Alternatives include:

• Web2: Access vault from any browser
• Virtual Machines: Use Parallels or VMware Fusion to install Windows client
• Remote Desktop: Connect to Windows PC with PDM installed

Learn more about workflows on Mac in our PDM Workflow guide.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

6.1 Installation Failures

• Mismatch between client/server versions → align release years
• PDM not listed in installer → verify complete installer package

6.2 Vault View Errors

• No server/vault listed → add manually via hostname/IP
• Access denied → check Archive Server permissions

6.3 License Issues

• PDM Pro needs available network license → verify via SNL Manager

6.4 Performance

• Explorer slow → exclude vault cache from antivirus
• Use Copy Tree for project duplication to maintain references

7. Cloud PDM vs Traditional PDM

Considering hybrid cloud strategies? Read about how PDM fits into modern engineering processes.

8. Final Thoughts

• Ensure version compatibility between client and server
• Use Web2 for remote and Mac access
• Cloud PDM offers scalable, remote-ready workflows
• Refer to official docs or your VAR for persistent issues

Need help with installation or optimization? Explore our in-depth technical guides or get in touch.

External Resources

• GoEngineer PDM Installation Guide
• SOLIDWORKS Official Help
• Engineering.com – Cloud PDM Articles
• Javelin Tech – PDM Support Blog

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