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

Stefan S.

Published: May 11, 2025 • 5 min read

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

Run setup.exe from the SOLIDWORKS installation package
Select "Modify" or "Install Individual" installation
Choose SOLIDWORKS PDM Client in product selection
Configure for Standard or Professional edition
Select the client type: CAD Editor, Contributor, or Viewer
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

Feature	Traditional PDM	Cloud PDM
Hosting	On-prem servers	Vendor-hosted
IT Maintenance	Internal responsibility	Managed by provider
Access	LAN/VPN	Global, browser-based
Cost	CapEx + license	Subscription (OpEx)
Scaling	Manual and costly	Dynamic and fast