Starting from SolidWorks 2021, there’s a new method to change the file name of parts or sub-assemblies directly from the FeatureManager design tree. This update allows for simultaneous updating of references to renamed files in unopened documents.
Before you proceed with renaming, ensure the following setting is enabled: Go to Tools > Options > System Options > FeatureManager and check “Allow component files to be renamed from FeatureManager tree.”
Here’s how to change a component file name:
- In an assembly, navigate to the FeatureManager design tree.
- Select the component you want to rename by either clicking it, right-clicking and choosing “Rename Assembly” or “Rename Part,” or pressing F2.
- Enter the new name and press Enter.
- Confirm the action by selecting “Temporarily rename document” and, if prompted, click “Yes” to rebuild.
- The file name within SolidWorks updates immediately, but remains unchanged in the Windows file system.
- Any open documents referencing the renamed file are automatically updated within SolidWorks to reflect the new file name.
- Save the assembly.
- A Rename Documents dialog box may warn you about:
- Files that are temporarily renamed within SolidWorks will be permanently renamed in the Windows file system.
- Other open documents referencing the renamed files will also update in the Windows file system.
- References in closed documents referencing the renamed files may break unless you choose to update them by selecting “Update where used references” and specifying the documents to update.
- A Rename Documents dialog box may warn you about:
- Uncheck “Update where used references” if you don’t want to update references in closed documents, then click “OK” to permanently rename the component file.
This streamlined process allows for efficient renaming of SolidWorks components directly from the FeatureManager tree while managing references effectively across multiple documents.