Advanced Search for Solid Edge: Find the Right File in Seconds

Finding the right Solid Edge file shouldn’t require clicking through folder trees or guessing filenames. DrawingManager turns your library into a searchable database—so you can locate the correct part, assembly, or draft in seconds using the information you actually remember: a customer, a material, a revision, or a project code.

Combine filters to narrow results precisely

DrawingManager’s advanced search is built around combined filters. Instead of running multiple searches and hoping you recognize the right file, you can stack criteria to reduce thousands of files to a short, correct list.

• Search by name + properties at the same time
• Limit by file type (PAR/ASM/PSM/DFT)
• Filter by date (created/modified ranges)
• Use include/exclude filtering to remove noise

Property-based search (including custom properties)

Solid Edge files contain rich metadata—standard and custom properties that often matter more than the filename. DrawingManager indexes these properties so you can search them directly without opening files.

Typical searches include material, revision, customer, project code, designer, ERP number, and any team-specific custom field you rely on.

Partial matching with “contains” search

DrawingManager supports fast partial matching using a %LIKE% style query (contains search). This is ideal when you only remember part of a filename or property value—type what you know, and quickly narrow the list.

Filter by Solid Edge file type

Quickly focus results to the exact document type you need: parts (.par), assemblies (.asm), sheet metal (.psm), or drafts (.dft). This removes clutter and speeds up decision-making.

Date filtering for “what changed recently”

Find files created or modified within a specific time window—ideal for tracking recent work, locating the latest revisions, or identifying older designs that may need review.

Saved searches for repeat workflows

If you run the same queries repeatedly, save them as favorites. Create a search once—then reuse it instantly. Useful examples include “recent drawing revisions,” “parts for customer X,” or “everything touched this week.”

Take action directly from results

Searching is only half the job. Once you’ve found the right file, DrawingManager helps you act immediately:

• Open files directly (including in Solid Edge)
• Reveal the file location in Windows Explorer
• Copy filenames or full paths for sharing internally
• Open in Solid Edge
• Open in Design Manager

Roadmap: ranges and advanced operators

More advanced query capabilities—such as numeric ranges and boolean operators—are on the roadmap. The goal is to make complex “engineering-style” queries even easier, while keeping the core experience fast and simple.

Instant results at scale

DrawingManager is optimized for large libraries. Because the index is stored locally, searches feel immediate—even when you’re querying across large datasets with multiple filters and property conditions.

Bottom line: Advanced search turns file discovery from a frustrating treasure hunt into a fast, repeatable workflow—saving time every day for engineers and anyone who needs the right drawing now.