What are Virtual Documents in PDM?

A virtual document in SOLIDWORKS PDM represents project-related information that does not originate from or require a physical file. These virtual documents—like any other file managed in PDM—have file data cards where metadata can be stored to manage non-modeled items, such as glue or tape, or any other file that does not require a physical file. They are also very small in size at only 1KB.

Virtual documents can:

• • • Be used to save time when proving out changes to a workflow or other tasks in PDM without generating a physical file. Simply add a virtual document to the vault and transition it through a workflow to verify the workflow functions as expected.

• • • Be replaced with a physical file that it represents while maintaining the previously entered data card values. This is helpful as placeholders during early design phases where you might not have modeled all components but want to preserve part numbers, etc.

• • • Be combined with PDM Templates to use serial numbers and data card rules to generate temporary files that will be replaced by the physical files later.