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PDM Task vs SOLIDWORKS Add-in

PDMPublisher is available in two workflows. They share the same publishing engine and many export settings, but they start jobs and obtain file information differently.

PDMPublisher for PDM Professional PDMPublisher for SOLIDWORKS
Runs from A task configured in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration tool The PDMPublisher task pane inside SOLIDWORKS
Starts from Selected vault files, a workflow action, or a PDM schedule The document currently open in SOLIDWORKS
Saves settings as A PDM task definition Reusable profiles
SOLIDWORKS version Selected in the task settings The currently running SOLIDWORKS version
File information PDM variables, cards, BOM templates, and SOLIDWORKS properties SOLIDWORKS custom properties and the active document or assembly references
User interaction Can show task-launch file and configuration prompts Uses the active document and selected profile directly
Logs Optional vault and server-synced task logs A dedicated Logs tab for each publish job

Shared Documentation

Both products use the same documentation pages for settings whose behavior is shared:

  • Export location, filename, and file formats
  • Assembly reference export and condition filtering
  • Multiple configurations and configuration filters
  • Drawing sheet selection and sheet-name patterns
  • PDF merge, table of contents, table columns, and bookmarks
  • Flat-pattern DXF and split-body output
  • Annotation formatting and placement
  • Condition groups, fields, comparisons, and evaluation rules
  • Placeholder reference

Each shared page identifies any difference between the PDM task and the SOLIDWORKS add-in.

PDM Task Only

Use the PDM task documentation for scheduled items, task-launch prompts, BOM templates, drawing-derived BOMs, calculation methods, selecting a task-host SOLIDWORKS version, PDM search, vault activity logs, variable mapping, PDM references, and File Explorer task visibility.

SOLIDWORKS Add-in Only

Use the SOLIDWORKS add-in documentation for profiles, starter templates, profile sharing by PIN, the collapsible task-pane navigation, opening the export folder after publishing, the job Logs tab, and add-in About/theme settings.

Tip

If you are configuring a task in the PDM Administration tool, follow the PDM Professional section of the TOC. If you are publishing from a task pane inside SOLIDWORKS, follow the SOLIDWORKS add-in section.

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