Using the Sibe SolidWorks Add-in for Day-to-Day Design Work

This guide explains how to use the Sibe SolidWorks add-in, covering its main tabs, core file operations like Check-out and Check-in to the vault, and how to manage your local cache and non-CAD files. By the end of this article, you will be able to perform all major design tasks directly within SolidWorks.

Navigating the Sibe SolidWorks Add-in

The Sibe add-in is your primary interface to the cloud-based Workspace, which is accessible directly from the SolidWorks interface. If you do not see the add-in, you can manually check to ensure it is active.

1. In SolidWorks, navigate to Tools > Add-ins.
2. Confirm that the Sibe add-in is checked and active. You should see the Sibe panel in your right-hand task pane.

The add-in is organized into four main sections: Vault, Changes, References, and Settings.

Performing Core File Operations (Vault Tab)

The Vault tab is where you perform all file opening and Check-out operations. When you select a file in this tab, you see its properties and status.

1. To open a file from the vault, double-click the file name. Once a file is open in SolidWorks, its name appears in bold in the add-in panel.
2. To begin editing a file, you must Check-out the file (this locks it so only you can edit it, preventing accidental overwrites by teammates). Right-click on the file and choose Check-out.

3. Make any necessary edits to the file in SolidWorks, such as changing the material of a part.
4. Save your changes in SolidWorks. The file's status in the add-in panel will update to show the modified locally symbol (a small pencil icon). Do this for all modified documents, including any top-level assemblies.

Understanding File Status and References

The References tab and features in the Vault tab provide an overview of your local project status and folder structure.

1. To update the folder list in the add-in after new folders have been added in the Workspace, click the Refresh button at the top of the panel.
2. View your local folder structure, including sub-folders, by clicking the triangle icon to collapse or expand folders in the file list.
3. To quickly open the local folder on your computer that contains the cached files for your project, click the Local Cache Folder link.
4. You can open recently accessed files either from the SolidWorks Recents list or directly from the local cache folder. The add-in will correctly show the status (open and checked out).

Checking In Changes and Managing Versions

The Changes tab is your staging area for files you have modified or added locally. This is where you finalize and submit a new version of your work to the Sibe vault.

1. Switch to the Changes tab. You will see a list of all locally modified files. New files that have been saved to your local folder but not yet checked in show the added locally icon.
2. Select the file(s) you wish to check in.
3. Add detailed notes on check-in in the required field. The more detailed your notes, the easier it is for your team to track changes.
4. Click Check In. Sibe will take your local modified copy and create a new version (versions let you track changes over time) in the cloud vault.
5. Once the process is complete, the Changes area clears, though the files will remain open in SolidWorks.

Discarding Changes

If you make edits you no longer want to keep, you can either revert or undo the Check-out to discard the changes and restore the previous version from the vault.

1. If you have modified files but have not yet checked them in, close the files in SolidWorks.
2. In the Changes tab, select the file(s) you wish to discard.
3. Click Roll Back (or use the Undo Check-Out button). This recaches those files from the vault to the latest, last good known version.

Configuring the Add-in (Settings Tab)

The Settings tab allows you to manage your log-in, select your local cache folder, and access support logs.

1. Confirm that you are signed in using the same account you used for your Sibe Workspace. Your Workspace name is visible here.
2. Select a local vault folder. Sibe strongly recommends picking a folder right off your C drive and not using a folder being backed up by services like OneDrive or Google Drive.
3. You can change or pick a different local folder at any time.
4. If you ever need to contact support, click the link to send the log in. This automatically opens the logs folder so you can email the tracked file information (clicks, uploads, downloads, check-outs, check-ins) to the support team.

Managing Non-CAD Files from the Add-in

You can use the Sibe add-in to manage and version other project documentation, such as Excel spreadsheets or other office files.

1. Locate your local project folder (the local cache folder you set in Settings).
2. Paste the non-CAD document (e.g., an Excel file) into that folder.
3. Return to the add-in and click Refresh to see the new file.
4. To add the file to the vault for the first time, switch to the Changes tab and Check In the file with notes.
5. You can Check-out the non-CAD file, double-click it to launch the native application (e.g., Excel), make changes, and then Check In a new version, or Undo Check-Out to discard changes.

Tips & Troubleshooting

• To find a specific file type, use the filter options like SolidWorks files only or the Flat view which shows all files without folder hierarchy.
• Always use a local folder (e.g., C:\SibeCache) for your cache, as syncing folders (OneDrive/Google Drive) are not necessary and can cause issues with PDM operations.
• Open files either through SolidWorks or the add-in's Vault tab. Avoid opening files directly from the local cache folder via Windows Explorer, as this may bypass PDM checks.
• If you require one-on-one help or a call with a support technician, contact us through the chat function in the Web Dashboard.

What's Next?

You are now ready to fully utilize Sibe for your design work. For any questions, you can reach out to our support team directly through the chat function in the Web Dashboard for quick assistance.

Updated on: 03/24/2026