In this blog, we answer two of the most frequently asked questions about SOLIDWORKS PDM license types: (1) How to change your PDM client license type (This was selected during your PDM client installation as either CAD Editor, Contributor or Viewer) and (2) How to check which version of PDM client you are currently running.

Finding Answers in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration Tool

The answer to both of these questions can be found by opening up the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration Tool from the start menu. 

You do not need to sign into any vault, just click on the blue question mark icon at the top, as shown below.

The screen shown below tells me that this license type is SOLIDWORKS PDM client version 2016 SP5. This is shown next to the build number where it says 16.5. Similarly, the client version indicates the year and service pack level saying of 16.05.

You’ll see the client type shows two important pieces of information: the license type, such as CAD Editor, Viewer or Contributor, and it also shows that this is a PDM Professional installation.

This is important, because if you have a PDM Professional environment, it is easy to install the PDM Standard client by mistake on a first time install since it is the default setting.

To make a change to the client license type, simply choose the appropriate license type from the drop down menu. A reboot is required for this change to take effect.

*Please do not make changes unless your SOLIDWORKS PDM Administrator has instructed you to do so.

We hope this article has been helpful in answering some common questions concerning PDM licensing and versions. Want to learn even more about Professional Data Management? Download our whitepaper below!