Sometimes the standard attributes in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform just aren’t enough. Maybe you need a custom field to track a project code, client name, or any other detail that’s specific to your workflow. The good news? You can create your own attributes in just a few steps and we’ll show you how.

Before You Start

To build custom attributes, you’ll need:

• Administrative privileges on your platform

• The Platform Manager role assigned to your profile

Once that’s in place, you’re ready to go.

Step 1: Open Attributes Management

1. Select the Platform Management role.

2. Head into the Collaborative Spaces Control Center.

3. From there, choose Attributes Management.

This is where all the customization magic happens.

Step 2: Find Physical Product

In the search bar (click the little magnifying glass), type Physical Product.

This is the object type where most custom attributes live, alongside built-ins like Material or Weight.

Step 3: Create Your Attribute

1. Click the plus sign in the top-right corner.

2. Choose a unique name (no duplicates, no special characters).

3. Hit OK and your new attribute will appear at the bottom of the Physical Product page.

Pro tip: if you don’t see the green check mark, it means the attribute hasn’t been activated yet.

Step 4: Activate and Deploy

To make your new attribute usable:

1. Click Apply.

2. Go to the Collaborative Spaces Configuration Center.

3. Run Update Index Model and Reload Cache.

Heads-up: this part may take a few minutes. Be patient while the platform updates.

Step 5: Test It Out

Open any saved 3D part, click the down arrow > Information, and scroll down. Your new custom attribute should now be visible and ready to use. Add a value to confirm everything’s working as expected.

Why Custom Attributes Matter

By creating custom attributes, you’re tailoring the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to fit your business. That means:

• Better search results

• Smarter organization

• Easier categorization of your data

At Solidxperts, we’re all about helping you get the most out of your tools. Custom attributes are just one way to make your 3DEXPERIENCE platform work harder for you.

Need a hand setting them up? Our team can walk you through it and make sure your environment is optimized for your exact workflow.

DraftSight 2026 pushes 2D CAD innovation even further, with powerful new features designed to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and bring more automation into your drafting environment. Whether you’re working in architecture, manufacturing, or engineering, these updates help bridge 2D and 3D workflows, boost productivity, and simplify project management.

Here are the Top 10 Enhancements you need to know in DraftSight 2026:

1. BIM Module

DraftSight now connects the worlds of 2D drafting and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Import RVT and IFC files to automatically generate plans, sections, elevations, and schedules.

Benefit: Bridge 3D and 2D collaboration, improving accuracy and communication across project teams.

2. Sheet Set Manager on the Platform

Project documentation just got easier. The new Sheet Set Manager standardizes how drawing sheets are created, grouped, templated, and published, all from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Benefit: Simplify documentation, ensure consistency, and speed up publishing workflows.

3. Batch Print Files in Collaborative Space

Save time with batch printing directly from the Collaborative Space. Process multiple DWG files at once, ensuring all team members are always working with and printing the latest version.

Benefit: Accelerate printing workflows and guarantee output consistency.

4. Float Document Windows

Multi-monitor users rejoice: DraftSight 2026 allows you to detach drawing tabs into separate windows for true multitasking. Compare and edit drawings side by side across monitors.

Benefit: Boost productivity by working seamlessly across multiple drawings at once.

5. Centralized Start Hub

A new Start Hub streamlines how you begin every project. From one centralized location, access projects, recent files, workspace settings, and learning resources.

Benefit: Start faster and stay organized from the moment you launch DraftSight.

6. Resizable View Tiles in Model Space

Navigate complex models with ease by resizing and aligning multiple view tiles within model space. This makes simultaneous navigation and editing of different model areas more efficient.

Benefit: Work smarter with customizable, side-by-side model views.

7. Field Command: Diesel Expression Support

The Field command now supports Diesel expressions, allowing dynamic text automation and inline calculations inside your drawings.

Benefit: Automate calculations and add conditional formatting directly to drawing text.

8. Improved Ribbon Tabs Content

The Ribbon interface has been cleaned up and reorganized for better usability. Enjoy faster access to commands, more intuitive layouts, and customizable workspace options.

Benefit: Streamline your drafting workflows with a more modern, intuitive UI.

9. DATAEXTRACTION Command Improvements

Data extraction is faster and more powerful. New features include CSV headers and formula columns, reducing manual work and making it easier to integrate extracted data with external applications.

Benefit: Cut down on errors and speed up data reporting workflows.

10. Files Attachable From the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

Collaboration in the cloud takes a big step forward: DWG files stored on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform can now be attached as external references directly in DraftSight.

Benefit: Simplify data management and keep everyone working on the latest version of project files.

The Future of 2D CAD Starts Here

DraftSight 2026 isn’t just about drafting faster, it’s about working smarter, collaborating seamlessly, and bridging 2D with 3D workflows. From BIM integration to cloud-based collaboration and new automation tools, these enhancements set a new standard for productivity in CAD.

Want to unlock the full power of DraftSight 2026? Our experts are ready to support your team with tailored guidance, training, and workflow optimization.

DraftSight 2026 pushes 2D CAD innovation even further, with powerful new features designed to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and bring more automation into your drafting environment. Whether you’re working in architecture, manufacturing, or engineering, these updates help bridge 2D and 3D workflows, boost productivity, and simplify project management.

Here are the Top 10 Enhancements you need to know in DraftSight 2026:

1. BIM Module

DraftSight now connects the worlds of 2D drafting and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Import RVT and IFC files to automatically generate plans, sections, elevations, and schedules.

Benefit: Bridge 3D and 2D collaboration, improving accuracy and communication across project teams.

2. Sheet Set Manager on the Platform

Project documentation just got easier. The new Sheet Set Manager standardizes how drawing sheets are created, grouped, templated, and published, all from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Benefit: Simplify documentation, ensure consistency, and speed up publishing workflows.

3. Batch Print Files in Collaborative Space

Save time with batch printing directly from the Collaborative Space. Process multiple DWG files at once, ensuring all team members are always working with and printing the latest version.

Benefit: Accelerate printing workflows and guarantee output consistency.

4. Float Document Windows

Multi-monitor users rejoice: DraftSight 2026 allows you to detach drawing tabs into separate windows for true multitasking. Compare and edit drawings side by side across monitors.

Benefit: Boost productivity by working seamlessly across multiple drawings at once.

5. Centralized Start Hub

A new Start Hub streamlines how you begin every project. From one centralized location, access projects, recent files, workspace settings, and learning resources.

Benefit: Start faster and stay organized from the moment you launch DraftSight.

6. Resizable View Tiles in Model Space

Navigate complex models with ease by resizing and aligning multiple view tiles within model space. This makes simultaneous navigation and editing of different model areas more efficient.

Benefit: Work smarter with customizable, side-by-side model views.

7. Field Command: Diesel Expression Support

The Field command now supports Diesel expressions, allowing dynamic text automation and inline calculations inside your drawings.

Benefit: Automate calculations and add conditional formatting directly to drawing text.

8. Improved Ribbon Tabs Content

The Ribbon interface has been cleaned up and reorganized for better usability. Enjoy faster access to commands, more intuitive layouts, and customizable workspace options.

Benefit: Streamline your drafting workflows with a more modern, intuitive UI.

9. DATAEXTRACTION Command Improvements

Data extraction is faster and more powerful. New features include CSV headers and formula columns, reducing manual work and making it easier to integrate extracted data with external applications.

Benefit: Cut down on errors and speed up data reporting workflows.

10. Files Attachable From the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

Collaboration in the cloud takes a big step forward: DWG files stored on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform can now be attached as external references directly in DraftSight.

Benefit: Simplify data management and keep everyone working on the latest version of project files.

The Future of 2D CAD Starts Here

DraftSight 2026 isn’t just about drafting faster, it’s about working smarter, collaborating seamlessly, and bridging 2D with 3D workflows. From BIM integration to cloud-based collaboration and new automation tools, these enhancements set a new standard for productivity in CAD.

Want to unlock the full power of DraftSight 2026? Our experts are ready to support your team with tailored guidance, training, and workflow optimization.

SOLIDWORKS Electrical 2026 introduces powerful improvements across schematic design, routing, collaboration, and documentation. With enhanced library management and stronger ECAD-MCAD connectivity, teams can work faster, reduce errors, and maintain consistency throughout the design process. Below are the ten most impactful enhancements and the benefits they deliver.

1. Accessory Parts Assigned Directly to Terminals or Circuits

Accessory components such as fuses, pins, sockets, seals, and plugs can now be linked directly to terminals or circuits in 2D. This simplifies bills of materials, sharpens assembly instructions, and prevents miscommunication during manufacturing.

Benefit: Create more complete, accurate electrical documentation without needing to model every accessory.

2. More Flexible PDF Export

New PDF export options let you organize output by project, book, or page while automatically adjusting page orientation.

Benefit: Produce clear, well-structured PDFs with minimal manual formatting.

3. Faster Manufacturer Part and Cable Reference Import

Direct Excel import for manufacturer parts and cable references streamlines library creation, and multi-item entry for circuits, terminals, and cable cores accelerates setup.

Benefit: Build and maintain precise libraries with significantly less effort.

4. Load and Reload From 3DEXPERIENCE Libraries

Teams can now load and reload electrical libraries directly from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, simplifying updates and ensuring shared content remains aligned.

Benefit: Strengthen collaboration and reduce inconsistencies with centralized library management.

5. Save Local Libraries to 3DEXPERIENCE

Users can contribute local libraries back to the platform to keep content unified across the organization.

Benefit: Eliminate redundant work and maintain standardized electrical content across teams.

6. New Role: SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D Augmented

This new role deepens the connection between 3D CAD and Electrical Schematic on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Users can place components in 3D, route wires and cables automatically, and generate production-ready outputs such as wire lengths and harness drawings.

Benefit: Align schematic and 3D workflows for highly accurate routing and documentation.

7. Route Wires Property Manager Enhancement

Harness design gains precision with the ability to route individual wires or groups of wires directly through the Route Wires property manager.

Benefit: Improve control and flexibility during complex harness routing.

8. Dynamic Connector Insertion

Connector insertion is faster and more intuitive with direct symbol access, detailed circuit selection, and improved sorting and filtering options.

Benefit: Insert and manage connectors with greater accuracy and efficiency.

9. Collaborative Server Enhancements

All server communication is now initiated from the client side, simplifying firewall requirements and supporting modern IT security standards.

Benefit: Enhance network security and streamline IT integration.

10. Improved ECAD-MCAD Collaboration With IDX 3.0

CircuitWorks now supports IDX 3.0, enabling richer data exchange including parent-child relationships for keep-in, keep-out, PTH, and NPTH attributes. Users can also review and reverse MCAD changes before applying updates.

Benefit: Reduce errors, minimize rework, and accelerate design cycles through smarter cross-discipline collaboration.

Key Takeaways for Electrical Design Teams

With stronger tools for libraries, routing, connector management, and ECAD-MCAD collaboration, SOLIDWORKS Electrical 2026 helps teams deliver higher-quality electrical designs more efficiently. These enhancements are built to reduce duplicate work, streamline communication, and keep projects aligned from concept to final documentation.

Ready to take your electrical design workflows further? Our team is here to help you explore every new capability.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 introduces a powerful suite of updates across Structural, Plastics, and Flow Simulation. From smarter load definitions and refined diagnostics to enhanced thermal analysis and molding predictions, these improvements give engineers greater control, faster feedback, and more realistic results.

1. Force Options for Beams

Engineers can now define beam forces as Per Item or Total, providing more flexibility and realism when applying structural loads.

Benefit: Achieve precise control to accurately represent real-world loading conditions.

2. Validity Check Improvements

Simulation setup is faster and more reliable, with clearer alerts for missing materials, invalid mesh controls, or incomplete fixtures. Streamlined messages and one-click deselection make troubleshooting easier.

Benefit: Resolve setup issues quickly and ensure higher simulation accuracy.

3. Pin Connector Forces in Random Vibration

Random vibration studies now include detailed force breakdowns, shear, axial, bending, and torque, at pin connectors.

Benefit: Capture realistic joint behavior for improved design confidence.

4. Angular Displacement Plot Options

Angular rotation can now be displayed in degrees or radians, aligning results with engineering standards or project requirements.

Benefit: Gain flexibility in interpreting and reporting displacement data.

5. Shell Improvements

Shell workflows are enhanced with new global defaults for thick or thin shells and the ability to apply distributed remote loads or mass along shell edges.

Benefit: Reduce setup time while improving accuracy in complex shell models.

6. Component Explorer Enhancements

Thermal analysis is more intuitive with new temperature and surface source columns in the Component Explorer, allowing quick identification of overheating areas or imbalanced heat sources.

Benefit: Perform faster, clearer thermal assessments at a glance.

7. Fill Thin Slot for Thermal Modeling

Automatically fill thin slots with defined materials to better simulate heat transfer in compact or bonded assemblies.

Benefit: Produce more realistic and reliable thermal simulation results.

8. Edge-Based Air Vent Definition

Define Air Vent boundary conditions directly on model edges for mold simulations, applicable to both cavity and runner domains.

Benefit: Improve venting accuracy and mold flow predictions.

9. Remote Mass in Response Spectrum

Assign remote masses to represent components not meshed in the study, ensuring their influence is accurately considered.

Benefit: Streamline simulation setup while maintaining result precision.

10. Post-Processing Enhancements in Plastics

A new Unfilled Volume plot complements short-shot predictions, allowing quick identification of incomplete injection zones.

Benefit: Detect and address molding issues faster for improved manufacturability.

It’s Now your Turn to Harness the Full Power of SOLIDWORKS 2026

From beam loading flexibility to smarter diagnostics and enhanced plastics visualization, SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 advances simulation accuracy and efficiency. These top 10 enhancements empower engineers to handle more complex scenarios, troubleshoot faster, and deliver designs with greater confidence.

At Solidxperts, our Simulation Specialists help you unlock the full potential of SOLIDWORKS Simulation, from setup and validation to advanced analysis and automation. Whether upgrading to 2026 or streamlining complex studies, our experts will help you.

SOLIDWORKS PDM 2026 delivers a strong set of enhancements focused on data security, workflow efficiency, and ease of use. Whether you’re managing thousands of files or just ensuring your projects stay safe and organized, these improvements help teams work more reliably and confidently.

Here are the Top 10 Enhancements you need to know:

1. Automatic File Recovery

Checked-out files are safer than ever. PDM now automatically creates backups of modified files on the archive server, so they can be recovered in case of hardware failure or user absence.

Benefit: Avoid costly rework and ensure critical design changes are never lost.

2. Archived Workflows for Cleaner Administration

Keep the Admin Tool clutter-free by archiving unused workflows. This prevents outdated or incorrect workflows from being used, while making it easier for admins to manage active processes.

Benefit: Simplify administration and reduce errors with streamlined workflow management.

3. Granular Folder Access Control

New access rules allow you to grant visibility to subfolders without exposing parent folders. This gives you more precision in defining user rights while keeping sensitive data protected.

Benefit: Collaborate securely without compromising confidentiality.

4. Static Previews for Third-Party CAD Files

Save time by viewing static image previews of third-party CAD data directly in PDM. No need to open each file to confirm its contents.

Benefit: Faster file identification across mixed CAD environments.

5. Smarter BOM Management in Web2

Named BOMs can now be viewed and edited directly in the Web2 client. A collapsible variables panel helps maximize workspace, especially on smaller screens.

Benefit: Manage BOMs from anywhere with a more efficient and user-friendly interface.

6. Stronger Security With AES-256 Encryption

Data transfers are now protected with AES-256 encryption, bringing SOLIDWORKS PDM in line with stricter modern cybersecurity requirements.

Benefit: Ensure compliance and safeguard sensitive intellectual property.

7. Modern Authentication With Kerberos Support

PDM adds Kerberos authentication to its existing NTLM and NTLMv2 protocols, making it easier to integrate with enterprise Single Sign-On (SSO) and modern Windows environments.

Benefit: Seamlessly connect PDM to enterprise IT systems while improving login security.

8. Smarter File Version Upgrades

The File Version Upgrade Tool has been enhanced with more control options and a simplified interface. Users can decide which files to upgrade and how, with better progress tracking along the way.

Benefit: Reduce upgrade risks and keep projects running smoothly during version transitions.

9. Expanded File Conversion Options

Convert Task options are more powerful than ever. You can now specify Parasolid® or ACIS® versions and use advanced scripting for DraftSight® and Office-to-PDF conversions.

Benefit: Greater flexibility when collaborating with partners and suppliers using different formats.

10. Streamlined Database Upgrades

The Database Upgrade Wizard has been redesigned with clearer reporting, improved efficiency, and better error handling. Admins can now complete upgrades with more confidence and less downtime.

Benefit: Faster, more reliable upgrades that keep your system stable.

Smarter, Safer, Stronger. PDM 2026 Sets a New Standard.

With SOLIDWORKS PDM 2026, data is safer, workflows are cleaner, and administration is easier. From automatic file recovery to enterprise-grade encryption and authentication, these top 10 enhancements give teams the tools they need to manage design data securely and efficiently.

Want to see how these updates can transform your setup? Let’s start the conversation.

If you’re new to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, you’ve probably run into questions about Collaborative Spaces such as how they work, how visible they are, and who gets access. You’re not alone! At first glance, visibility settings and permissions can feel a little tricky, but once you understand the basics, managing Collaborative Spaces becomes much simpler. Let’s break it down together.

What Exactly Is a Collaborative Space?

Think of a Collaborative Space as a secure vault for your data. It’s not just where files live. It’s also how you control who sees what, and who can do what, with your designs.

Every new platform starts with one by default: the Common Space. This is often used for templates or standard component libraries. Administrators can open it up or lock it down depending on the needs of the team.

Pro tip: You’ll likely create additional spaces as your projects grow, but resist the urge to treat them like folders. Collaborative Spaces are not meant for organizing data. They’re meant for controlling access and visibility.

For many companies, just two spaces (Common Space and Design Space) are enough. If you’re working across multiple divisions or sharing with external partners, you might need more.

Visibility: Who Sees What?

When creating a Collaborative Space, one of the first choices you’ll make is its visibility setting. Don’t worry, you can always adjust it later.

Here’s the quick rundown:

• Private – Only members you invite can access the data. Perfect for sensitive projects or limited teams.

• Protected – Data starts private, but once it’s released or obsolete, it becomes visible beyond the team. Great for controlling design maturity while keeping transparency later on.

• Public – Everyone, inside and outside your organization, can see the data. Best for shared standards and libraries.

Important: If you switch a space to Public, everything inside it becomes public too. Combine visibility with maturity states to get the right balance of security and openness.

Permissions: Defining Roles in a Space

Once your Collaborative Space is ready, it’s time to decide who gets to do what. This is managed through permission levels, and each role builds on the one before it.

Here’s the spectrum, from least to most control:

• Public Reader – Can only view shared data. A good role for contractors or suppliers (not depicted).

• Reader – Can view data in public spaces and any private spaces they’re invited to (not depicted).

• Contributor – Can add objects that complement data (comments, discussions), but can’t change core files.

• Author – Can create and modify designs, but not release them.

• Leader – Full control of content: can change maturity states, manage templates, and guide the team.

• Owner – Administrative power. Can manage members, set permissions, and configure the space itself.

To check or adjust permissions, just open the 3DSpace app, select your Collaborative Space, and review the Members tab.

Bringing It All Together

Collaborative Spaces are at the heart of data management in 3DEXPERIENCE. By combining the right visibility settings with clear permission roles, you can keep your projects secure, your teams aligned, and your workflows smooth.

At Solidxperts, we know that these details can make the difference between confusion and confidence. If you’re ready to explore more, check out our other tips and tutorials or reach out to our team directly. We’re here to help you unlock the full potential of 3DEXPERIENCE.