How to Bild

This page covers everything you need to know about using Bild PDM: installation, file management, version control, and best practices.

⚠️ Note: This is not intended to be a comprehensive guide.
More information and advanced documentation can be found at the official https://help.getbild.com/en/ .

This page focuses on:

• The basic functionality of Bild PDM

• The tools and workflows you’ll use most often

• Key reminders and tips to keep our files organized and safe from accidental deletion

What is Bild PDM?

PDM (Product Data Management) is a system used to manage CAD and engineering files in one place.

Why use PDM?

• Version Control – Tracks every change to files, so nothing is lost.

• Collaboration – Ensures only one person edits a file at a time.

• Traceability – See who made changes, when, and why.

• Cloud Storage – Centralized storage protects data compared to local-only workflows.

Login here → https://pdm.getbild.com/login
👉 If you are new, ask your lead to be added to the workspace. You will need to be invited via email before being able to join

Desktop Installation

1. Log in at https://pdm.getbild.com/login .

2. Click your profile icon in the top right.

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3. Go to the Tokens tab.

4. Download and install the desktop application.

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5. In the Tokens page, generate a code.

6. Open the desktop app and paste the generated code to link your account.

How Bild Works

• Check out → Locks a file so only you can edit it.

• Check in → Uploads your changes, unlocks the file, and makes it available to everyone.

• Other users can always view files, but cannot edit them until you check them back in.

Fetch & Pull Updates

• Always fetch updates every time you open Bild.

  • This ensures you have the latest version of all project files.

• Pull often (at least once per work session, or before starting edits).

  • This keeps your local files in sync with the PDM.

• Important: Files will not download or update if they are currently open in SolidWorks.

  • Close SolidWorks before fetching/pulling to make sure all updates are applied.

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Checking Files In/Out

• Only check out the files you absolutely need.

  • Bild lists related files — do not select all unless required.

  • Absolutely need = if you need to/will edit. You do not need to check a file out to view. As long as the file is locally dowloaded Solidworks will be able to open it.

• Commit messages → Always write a short, descriptive summary of your changes.

• Push often → Frequent commits protect your work in case of crashes.

• Check in files as soon as you’re finished to avoid blocking teammates.

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• Cancel checkout if you don’t need a file you accidentally checked out.

Locking Files

Locking a file prevents other users from making changes, while still allowing them to view the file and its information. Once a file is locked, only the user who locked it or an Admin can unlock it.

Steps to Lock a File

1. Navigate to the file within the project.

2. Right-click on the file(s).

3. Select Lock File.

Unlocking Files

• Users can unlock a file by following the same steps as above, but selecting Unlock File.

💡 Files can be locked/unlocked via both the desktop app and the web browser.

Creating New Files

1. Create your new part/assembly in SolidWorks (or your CAD tool).

2. Save into the appropriate folder within Bild.

3. Follow naming conventions (see below).

4. Push the new file with a clear commit message.

File Management

Deleting Files

• Files can only be deleted through the browser.

• Deleting locally only removes the file on your machine — the file remains in Bild.

• Files must not be checked out to be deleted.

  • If checked out, cancel checkout or check in first.

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Pushing Files

• Always double and triple-check before pushing ALL new files.

• Sometimes the local Bild directory doesn’t perfectly mirror the PDM.

  • Moved or deleted files may appear as “new.”

  • This can cause conflicts and push unnecessary files.

• Carefully review your push list before confirming.

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Renaming Files

1. Checkout the files you want to rename.

2. Open the direct parent assembly of the file.

3. Right-click the component → Rename tree item.

4. Save all affected files.

5. In Bild desktop app, renamed files will appear as “new.”

6. Map each “new” file to the original file name to replace by clicking “Select File” and select the old file you are replacing.

✅ This renames the file in Bild, prevents duplicates, and keeps version history intact.

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Naming Conventions

👉 Follow the official team naming conventions here:

https://cloud.wikis.utexas.edu/wiki/x/vYUbCw

Adding Design Libraries in SolidWorks

1. In SolidWorks, go to Options > File Locations.

2. Select Design Library from the dropdown.

3. Click Add and navigate to your Bild Design Library folder.

4. Apply settings and confirm

5. Add the following File Locations as well:

   1. Blocks → Design Library/Blocks

6. Appearances - Appearances don’t sync as smoothly as standard part and assembly files and typically require a workaround. The script below creates a symbolic link from the C:\Shared LHRs Appearances folder to the Design Library\Appearances folder within the same directory for everyone. This approach ensures that the Bild directory does not need to be in the same location on each machine. By creating this standardized symlink, SolidWorks can reliably locate all appearance files regardless of which computer the user is on.

   New files can continue to be added and managed from the same source folder, and when using custom appearances, textures, or decals, you should reference them through the C:\Shared LHRs Appearances folder to ensure consistency across all machines.

   1. In file explorer, navigate to local Bild directory. Go to Design Library/Scripts.

   2. Right click on Add Appearances Symlink.bat and run as administrator

      1. This will create global shared library folder

   3. Go back to Solidworks, go to Options > File Locations.

   4. Set Custom - Appearances path to C:\Shared LHRs Appearances

Version Control

• You can view all commits and the change timeline in Bild.

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• Never rollback commits at the project level — this causes version control breakages.

• If you need to revert:

  1. Go to the specific file.

  2. Select More Info → Activity.

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  3. Open the dropdown and select the version you want to restore.

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👉 You can also download previous versions in the browser to inspect or compare.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

⚠️ Checking out too many files

• Locks files unnecessarily.

• ✅ Only check out what you need.

⚠️ Forgetting to check files back in

• Blocks teammates.

• ✅ Check in right after finishing, or cancel checkout.

⚠️ Pushing the wrong files

• Local directory changes may create conflicts.

• ✅ Double-check push lists every time.

⚠️ Renaming outside of Bild

• Breaks links, creates duplicates.

• ✅ Always rename through parent assemblies and map properly in Bild desktop app.

⚠️ Rolling back commits globally

• Can corrupt assemblies.

• ✅ Only revert individual files using version history.

⚠️ Vague commit messages

• Makes history hard to follow.

• ✅ Use short, clear summaries (e.g., “Updated motor mount hole size to 6mm”).

⚠️ Not pushing often

• Risk of data loss from crashes.

• ✅ Push frequently, even small changes.

Quick Reference (Do’s & Don’ts)

✅ Push often
✅ Use descriptive commit messages
✅ Only check out what you need
✅ Check in immediately after finishing
✅ Follow naming conventions
✅ Use parent assemblies for renaming

❌ Don’t rollback commits globally
❌ Don’t rename files outside of Bild workflow
❌ Don’t push files blindly without reviewing
❌ Don’t lock entire assemblies unnecessarily