Keeping data flowing smoothly is critical in modern design and manufacturing, yet license administration often receives little attention until users hit a wall.

Whether you run SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional or PDM Standard, knowing how – and when – to change a client license type prevents downtime and keeps costs in check.

This guide walks you through every option, from understanding each license’s capabilities to step-by-step switch procedures and post-change checks.

Along the way you will find practical tips, real-world scenarios, and troubleshooting advice to help any engineering or manufacturing team maintain control of their data vault while staying on budget.

1. Understanding SOLIDWORKS PDM Licensing

1.1. How PDM Licenses Work

SOLIDWORKS PDM uses floating licenses managed by the SolidNetWork License (SNL) server.

When a user logs in, a license is taken from the pool and automatically returned when they exit, giving teams flexibility across time zones and locations.

1.2. PDM Professional License Options

1.2.1. CAD Editor & Web

Full vault access with CAD add-ins plus web functions for remote approvals and previews.

1.2.2. Contributor & Web

All the lifecycle controls of an Editor license, minus CAD add-ins – ideal for project managers and buyers.

1.2.3. Viewer

Read-only access for stakeholders who only need to search, measure, and print.

1.3. PDM Standard License Options

1.3.1. CAD Editor

Supports SOLIDWORKS, DWG/DXF, Word, and Excel files.

1.3.2. Contributor

Same formats as the Editor license but without CAD add-ins, perfect for non-CAD staff.

1.3.3. Viewer

Read-only access with secure vault searching and preview.

2. When and Why to Switch License Types

2.1. Typical Scenarios

• Role changes: Designers moving into project coordination may no longer need a CAD Editor seat.
• Workflow peaks: Outsourced reviewers may require temporary Contributor licenses during busy seasons.
• Budget realignment: Shifting unused Editor seats to Viewer seats controls annual maintenance fees.

2.2. Cost Considerations

Because floating licenses draw from a shared pool, one Editor seat can serve multiple users, yet it remains more costly than Contributor or Viewer seats.

Tracking real usage in the SNL Manager helps avoid over-buying and flags seats that could be downgraded.

2.3. License Pool Health Check

Run usage reports each quarter. If maximum concurrent usage for a license type never reaches 75 percent, consider downgrading the surplus and freeing budget for training or hardware upgrades.

3. Step-by-Step: Changing Your SOLIDWORKS PDM Client License

3.1. Pre-Change Checklist

1. Verify you have Windows administrator rights.
2. Close SOLIDWORKS, PDM add-ins, and any background processes.
3. Notify the team of possible brief downtime during the switch.

3.2. Method 1: Administration Tool (Fastest)

3.2.1. Launch as Administrator

Open SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration from the Start menu, right-click, and choose Run as administrator. This is required because the tool writes new values to the Windows Registry.

3.2.2. Open the Client Dialogue

Select Help → About SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration (or click the question-mark icon in newer releases).

3.2.3. Select New Client Type

Use the Client type drop-down to choose the required license (Editor, Contributor, or Viewer) and click OK.

3.2.4. Restart the Machine

A restart finalises the Registry update and forces the SNL server to issue the fresh license.

3.3. Method 2: Modify the Installation (Robust)

3.3.1. Control Panel Approach

Navigate to Apps → SOLIDWORKS PDM Client → Modify. In the Installation Wizard, pick Change License Type, choose the new license, and finish the wizard.

3.3.2. Administrative Image Deployment

For large rollouts, regenerate the administrative image with the new license flag, then push the update via your enterprise software centre. A fresh reboot on each client completes the change.

4. Post-Change Checks and Troubleshooting

4.1. Confirming License Allocation

Open the SolidNetWork License Manager Client on the workstation, select Server List → License Usage, and confirm the correct license is checked out.

4.2. Common Errors and Fixes

5. Best Practices for Ongoing License Management

5.1. Track Usage Weekly

Export usage logs from the SNL Manager and store them in a spreadsheet so you can spot trends over time.

5.2. Automate License Return

Enable Return license after inactive for X minutes inside the PDM client options to keep seats circulating.

5.3. Review Annually

Schedule an annual review before maintenance renewal. Re-evaluate head-count plans, contractor needs, and remote access requirements to optimise the license mix without waste.

6. The Bottom Line

Switching license types in SOLIDWORKS PDM is straightforward once you understand the underlying architecture.

The Administration Tool provides a quick option for single machines, while the Modify Installation route or an updated administrative image suits widespread deployments.

Regardless of method, a simple restart and post-change verification ensure the SNL server issues the correct seat and that users enjoy uninterrupted access to their data vault.

By reviewing usage reports and aligning license types with actual roles, engineering and manufacturing businesses can streamline costs and focus resources where they matter most—innovation and timely delivery.