How to Hide a Variable in a SOLIDWORKS PDM Data Card, But Keep it Searchable

The great thing about SOLIDWORKS PDM is its flexibility in accommodating different environments and use cases. In this scenario, an organization wants to hide PDM Data Card variables from the masses but still have them be searchable.

• Suggested Article >> Understanding SOLIDWORKS PDM Data Card Tabs

If only variables that are “displayed” in the data card can be searched for, how do we accomplish this?

Before we dive into the how, it is always advisable to back up the vault.  

Setup

To set up the data card, go to Admin tool > Cards > Open/Create a data card. (Figure 1)

Figure 1: Setting up the data card

Add an edit-box control then assign the variable you want hidden. (Figure 2)

Figure 2: Assigning the hidden variable

Assign the following conditions, which will hold true for all files in the vault:

• Select the control box > Control menu > Control Logic
• Actions > Hide

• (x) drop list, select the variable

• Comparison = Text Contains

• Value = [leave blank]

Figure 3: Condition tree for Control Logic

Save the data card.

Test It

Choose a file and ensure the correct data card displays correctly and does not display the hidden variable. See Figure 4 for a side-by-side comparison of the data card in the editor versus the live one.

Figure 4: Side-by-side comparison

Perform a variable search using the complete search card with the following conditions. This will show any file that has any value in that variable. (Figure 5)

• (x) drop list, select the variable
• Comparison = Text Does Not Contain
• Value = [leave blank]

Figure 5: Hidden variable, yet searchable

I hope you found this SOLIDWORKS PDM quick tip helpful. Check out more tips below.

Additionally, join the GoEngineer Community to participate in the conversation, create forum posts, and answer questions from other SOLIDWORKS users. 

More SOLIDWORKS PDM Tutorials

Collect Support Information for SOLIDWORKS PDM

Managing Auto-Login for SOLIDWORKS PDM Users

SOLIDWORKS PDM Data Card Find User Button Control

SOLIDWORKS PDM: Create and Deploy a Local View File

Default Expressions in SOLIDWORKS PDM Data Cards

VIEW ALL SOLIDWORKS PDM TUTORIALS