Save as or use Copy in SW Explorer to unlink references?
Save as or use Copy in SW Explorer to unlink references?
(OP)
I have a several parts that are used in many different assemblies. Now I simply want to copy one of the parts with a new name so I can do some modeling development without affecting any of the assemblies.
Option 1) I open the file in SW do a save as and select "save as copy" but, when I open the new copy it still shows a reference to the assembly.
Option 2) Likewise, when I use SW Explorer I RMB and select copy, then I check find where used. It shows me all of the assemblies where the original is used. So I uncheck all of the update boxes, give the file a new name and hit apply. But then when I open the new file it still shows a ref to one of the original assemblies...
Is there something I'm doing wrong? or is there another simple way of un linking all references when that is my intent for a copied part
Option 1) I open the file in SW do a save as and select "save as copy" but, when I open the new copy it still shows a reference to the assembly.
Option 2) Likewise, when I use SW Explorer I RMB and select copy, then I check find where used. It shows me all of the assemblies where the original is used. So I uncheck all of the update boxes, give the file a new name and hit apply. But then when I open the new file it still shows a ref to one of the original assemblies...
Is there something I'm doing wrong? or is there another simple way of un linking all references when that is my intent for a copied part
Tom Malinski
Sr Design Engineer
OKay Industries
New Britain CT






RE: Save as or use Copy in SW Explorer to unlink references?
The reference may be part of an in-context sketch or feature.
Changing the copied part should not affect the original part.
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091
RE: Save as or use Copy in SW Explorer to unlink references?
Either method works equally as well.
Additionally you can just <CTRL><C> a file in Windows Explorer and <CTRL><V> it into another unrelated folder, rename it, and go to town on that file.
The file no longer cares that it was used elsewhere prior to being copied AS LONG AS THERE ARE NO in-context or external references within it.
If there are then as CorBlimeyLimey indicates, you are going to have to break those references. I personally find any feature in the tree with "->" following the name and edit its sketch deleting any in-context or external references. The easiest way to see them all is to select Tools, Relations, Display/Delete. Then you can just use filter about the display list to isolate them and delete them.
You should be good to go from there. Hope this helps.
Regards,
Chris Gervais