Replace Model in Drawing (New in SolidWorks 2014)

We can use the Replace Model tool to change file references for individual drawing views while the drawing is open.

You can use the Replace Model tool to change file references between parts and parts, assemblies and assemblies, and between parts and assemblies. If you create drawings that have iterative changes or similar parts that require similar dimensioning schemes, this tool allows you to reuse a drawing in the new context.

Let’s understand this with an example. Here we have a drawing of a part with few dimensions already placed. We will try to replace this with an assembly.

 

Now we will right click any view and select Replace Model as shown below.

 

Now it will ask us if we want to replace a selected view or all the views. Also here we need to browse for the file with which we want to replace the view.

Once the file is selected it will ask us to confirm it as shown below.

 

 

Now as we can see below all the views have been replaced and the parameters are still there. None of the dimension lost the reference.