How to Move SOLIDWORKS Toolbox to a Shared Network Directory
The SOLIDWORKS Toolbox is a configurable library of standard hardware components, allowing users to drag and drop commonly used parts directly into assemblies. By default, Toolbox is stored locally, but in a multi-user environment, it should be moved to a shared network location to ensure consistency between designers when collaborating, prevent duplicate parts, and centralize management of the data.
This guide walks through the process of moving an existing Toolbox / Hole Wizard database to a shared network directory and reconfiguring SOLIDWORKS clients to use it.
Note: The SOLIDWORKS Hole Wizard database is stored in the same location as the Toolbox. Moving one moves them both.
Local Toolbox location > SOLIDWORKS will display yellow message:
“Toolbox is currently installed on this computer. While that is acceptable for a single user environment, it is not the recommended setup for a multiple user environment.”
Shared Network location > SOLIDWORKS will display green message:
“Toolbox is properly installed for a multiple user environment.”
Considerations Before Moving Toolbox
- Choose which SOLIDWORKS user’s Toolbox to move or create a default copy.
- All users are on the same major version of SOLIDWORKS.
- You have full administrative access to the Toolbox folder and network location.
- The designation network location is accessible to all users (read/write permissions).
- If using PDM, coordinate with your PDM administrator as your Toolbox may be managed differently in PDM.
Step 1: Locate the Current SOLIDWORKS Toolbox
- Open SOLIDWORKS on a workstation currently using Toolbox / Hole Wizard.
- Go to: Tools > Options > System Options > Hole Wizard/Toolbox
- Note the current Toolbox folder path. The default location is C:\SOLIDWORKS Data
Step 2: Copy Toolbox to Network Location
- Navigate to the folder from step 1.
- Copy the entire SOLIDWORKS Data folder to a shared network location.
Important:
- Copy (do not Move) to preserve a backup.
- Ensure all files, subfolders, and permissions are retained.
- Use a UNC path (\\Server\Share\Folder) instead of a mapped drive letter (e.g. Z:) to ensure consistency across all users and systems
\\server\SOLIDWORKS Data or \\server\SOLIDWORKS\Toolbox
- The left image below is set to a mapped drive and displays yellow message:
“Toolbox is currently installed on a different computer which is recommended for a multiple user environment. The path however is specified using a mapped drive. Consider using a UNC path” - The right image is set to a UNC path and displays green message:
“Toolbox is properly installed for a multiple user environment.”
- The left image below is set to a mapped drive and displays yellow message:
Step 3: Set Proper Folder Permissions
On the shared folder:
- Grant Read/Write access to all folders and files.
- Restrict modify permissions if you want controlled Toolbox updates (recommended).
Step 4: Update Toolbox Path in SOLIDWORKS
On each SOLIDWORKS client machine:
- Open SOLIDWORKS
- Go to: Tools > Options > System Options > Hole Wizard/Toolbox
- Update the path to the new network location from step 2
- Click OK to accept the change. Note, depending on permissions, Windows may prompt for admin credentials to approve the change.
- Turn ON the option ‘Make this folder the default search location for Toolbox components.’
Step 5: Configure Toolbox Settings (Optional but Recommended)
The SOLIDWORKS Toolbox Settings tool (image below) is used to select and customize hardware as well as set user preferences and permissions. The best practice is to configure SOLIDWORKS Toolbox before using it.
- Launch the Toolbox Settings utility by going to: Tools > Options > System Options > Hole Wizard/Toolbox > Configure
- Alternatively, navigate to Windows Start > All Folders > SOLIDWORKS Tools > Toolbox Settings <version>
- Alternatively, navigate to Windows Start > All Folders > SOLIDWORKS Tools > Toolbox Settings <version>
- Verify:
- Hardware Standards
- Hardware Configurations
- Custom Properties
- Set permissions to restrict editing
Make any necessary adjustments and save.
Step 6: Verify Functionality
- Launch SOLIDWORKS and open an assembly.
- Insert Toolbox components and use the Hole Wizard to test.
- Confirm:
- Parts load from the network location
- No duplicate Toolbox parts are created locally
- Performance is acceptable for the user when accessing Toolbox over the network
Step 7: (If using SOLIDWORKS PDM)
If Toolbox is managed in PDM:
- Toolbox should typically be stored in a non-versioned folder and workflow state or configured via PDM toolbox integration.
- Refer to our guide How to Setup Toolbox in PDM for details.
Best Practices
- Use a dedicated shared location (avoid user directories).
- Restrict access to a few administrators to prevent accidental changes.
- Maintain regular backups of the Toolbox folder.
- Do not mix local and network Toolbox paths across users.
- Update Toolbox when SOLIDWORKS is upgraded then test. Always create a backup of customized Toolboxes prior to upgrading.
Troubleshooting
- Duplicate Toolbox Parts
- Caused by inconsistent Toolbox paths across users.
- Ensure all users point to the same network location.
- Duplicate Toolbox Parts
- Read Only Errors
- Caused by insufficient permissions.
- Verify network share permission.
- Read Only Errors
- Slow Performance
- Caused by network latency.
- User high-speed LAN of local caching strategies.
- Slow Performance
- Missing Toolbox Components
- Caused by incomplete copy.
- Re-copy Toolbox and verify all files exist.
- Alternatively, you can copy the Toolbox folder locally, update the file path in SOLIDWORKS, then test opening the same assembly to try and determine if the behavior is network/permissions or the Toolbox in general.
- Missing Toolbox Components
Technical Support
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