3DEXPERIENCE Local Cache and How to Manage It
The 3DEXPERIENCE platform enables secure cloud-based data management, allowing users to access, collaborate on, and manage SOLIDWORKS data from virtually anywhere. To support performance and usability, the platform uses a local cache on each workstation. This cache is a designated folder on the local Windows system where SOLIDWORKS models and related files are temporarily stored while accessed or edited.
When working with files:
- Data is downloaded from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to the local cache.
- Changes are synchronized back to the platform on demand.
- This ensures designs remain up to date.
Where is the 3DEXPERIENCE Local Cache Located?
The 3DEXPERIENCE local cache exists both:
- Within the SOLIDWORKS interface (via the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in or Connected environment).
- As a physical folder on the local Windows system.
Although the cache appears as a standard folder in Windows File Explorer, manual modification of cache contents is not recommended. Changes made directly within File Explorer can cause synchronization inconsistencies.
Default Cache Locations:
The default cache location depends on the version of SOLIDWORKS being used:
- SOLIDWORKS Design desktop (Using the 3DEXPERIENCE Add-in)
C:\3DEXPERIENCE - SOLIDWORKS Design Connected (installed fully from the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform)
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\DassaultSystemes\3DEXPERIENCE
- SOLIDWORKS Design desktop (Using the 3DEXPERIENCE Add-in)
Accessing the 3DEXPERIENCE Cache Within SOLIDWORKS
In both SOLIDWORKS Deign desktop (with 3DEXPERIENCE add-in) and SOLIDWORKS Connected, enabling the “3DEXPERIENCE Files on This PC” add-in provides access to the local cache through a dedicated SOLIDWORKS Task Pane tab.
This Task Pane displays a list of locally cached files and includes key information such as Status, Lock Status, and Maturity State. This interface allows users to monitor and manage cached content directly within SOLIDWORKS.
Refresh Options
The Task Pane provides the following refresh commands:
- Refresh View
Updates the display of the currently selected files in the Task Pane. - Refresh from Server
Checks for differences between the local cache and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This is useful if another user has modified a file since it was last retrieved to the local cache.
- Refresh View
Note: When starting a new SOLIDWORKS session, cached files are automatically refreshed in the background.
Local Cache Status Options
The Status icons indicate the relationship between the locally cached version of a file and the version stored on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
These icons help determine whether:
- You are working with the latest version of a file
- A newer version exists on the server
- The local file needs to be refreshed
- Changes must be saved to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform
- No action is required
Understanding these indicators allows you to manage synchronization effectively and avoid version conflicts. The most common Status icons are shown below.
Important: Reloading a file from the server will overwrite the locally cached copy. Any unsaved local modifications will be permanently lost.
Clearing the 3DEXPERIENCE Local Cache
The local cache should be cleared periodically to prevent excessive disk usage. Clearing the cache can also ensure that the most current version of a file is retrieved from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform when opened.
To manually clear the cache:
- In the 3DEXPERIENCE File on This PC Task Pane tab, select the files you wish to remove.
- To select all files, click the checkbox in the upper-left corner of the file list.
- Right-click the selected files and choose Delete from This PC.
This action removes the selected files from the local cache folder in Windows Explorer but does not delete them from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
File filters within the Task Pane can help streamline the selection process, and the search box at the top of the pane can be used to locate specific files within the cache.
Important: Before clearing the local cache, verify that all required files are saved and fully synchronized with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
Using the Cleanup Command
The Clean Up command provides automated cache maintenance. It removes unchanged files after a specified time period.
The following files are not deleted during cleanup:
- Files referenced by a cached assembly
- Locked files
- Locally modified files
Although Clean Up removes only unchanged files, opening an assembly that references previously removed components will automatically download a new copy to the local cache.
The default cleanup timeframe is one week. If internet bandwidth or performance is a concern and sufficient disk space is available, consider increasing the timeframe to reduce repeated downloads.
Conclusion
The 3DEXPERIENCE local cache supports performance and collaboration by storing working files on your local system while maintaining the platform as the primary data source.
Regular monitoring and periodic cleanup of the cache help ensure files remain current, disk usage stays controlled, and synchronization issues are minimized.
Proper cache management will help maintain a stable and efficient SOLIDWORKS working environment.
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