8 Replies Latest reply on Dec 14, 2015 3:21 PM by Alex Rich

Ubiquitous problem: Save as > file type list is way too long

Alex Rich Dec 14, 2015 1:39 PM

When you try to export a file using save as, the list of file types is ridiculously long. The list includes every single possible export format, so I have to sift through 35 esoteric file types to find STL or Parasolid which I use most of the time.

I would love to hide all the stuff I don't use somehow, does anyone have ideas for this? I tried googling but couldn't find anything good on this topic. Would be great if I could re-order so my favorites display first, then the others below. I would be satisfied to just figure out a registry hack and permanently remove some of them though.

Of course this is a problem with almost every program where you can save to lots of different file types whether it be on a PC or a MAC. I have the same problem with graphic design software with the myriad of image formats. I wonder if anyone else has figured out a solution to this.

Re: Ubiquitous problem: Save as > file type list is way too long

S. Casale Dec 14, 2015 1:41 PM (in response to Alex Rich)

My concern is when someone complains they don't have enough options, which is more often than too many.... Is it better to having to do what one has to do with AutoDesk, and select Export...?
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- Re: Ubiquitous problem: Save as > file type list is way too long
  
  Alex Rich Dec 14, 2015 1:47 PM (in response to S. Casale)
  
  A separate export command would be fine but I don't think it would solve this issue. I think it's great that Solidworks can support so many export formats, I just wish there was a way to reduce the clutter. Every user will have different needs so it almost seems like a "favorites" would be a perfect solution.
  
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Re: Ubiquitous problem: Save as > file type list is way too long

Vladimir Urazhdin Dec 14, 2015 2:03 PM (in response to Alex Rich)

You can speed up “Save As” command by using API.
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- Re: Ubiquitous problem: Save as > file type list is way too long
  
  Alex Rich Dec 14, 2015 2:14 PM (in response to Vladimir Urazhdin)
  
  I have some coding experience but to be honest I have never found the Solidworks API to be intuitive or well supported. Maybe if I had weeks to play around with it I would feel differently. Can you point me to a macro function for changing the save as command?
  
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  - Re: Ubiquitous problem: Save as > file type list is way too long
    
    Vladimir Urazhdin Dec 14, 2015 2:26 PM (in response to Alex Rich)
    
    You can take a look at "Save as PDF" discussion: PDF file name
    The same idea and tools...
    
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    - Re: Ubiquitous problem: Save as > file type list is way too long
      
      Alex Rich Dec 14, 2015 2:46 PM (in response to Vladimir Urazhdin)
      
      Ok so I could create macros for "Save as XX filetype" and assign them to toolbar buttons or something. I might do that, thanks for pointing me in that direction.
      
      It's still a shame I can't change the drop down in the save as dialog. Solidworks is really good about letting you configure toolbars, keyboard shortcuts, etc. This would be another nice feature I think.
      
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Re: Ubiquitous problem: Save as > file type list is way too long

Kelvin Lamport Dec 14, 2015 3:12 PM (in response to Alex Rich)

I don't find it too long, but being able to hide the lesser used ones would be nice.
At the very least, the list should be arranged in alphabetic order.
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- Re: Ubiquitous problem: Save as > file type list is way too long
  
  Alex Rich Dec 14, 2015 3:21 PM (in response to Kelvin Lamport)
  
  I agree we're talking about a minor annoyance not a major one. Alphabetic order would be an improvement.
  
  I do think it would be a sort of innovative and worthwhile change considering how focused Solidworks is on speeding up workflow. I mean think about how most CAD users go to lengths to make their work faster: keyboard shortcuts, mouse button mapping, quick toolbars, etc. Most of those things minimize or eliminate minuscule annoyances, but those things add up over time.
  
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