Refkeep File manager for SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS PDM alternative: server-free file order for small teams
"Let's get PDM" usually means a server, SQL and reseller consulting. That's why many solo designers and 2–10 person teams work without PDM at all, and their file structure slowly decays. Refkeep isn't PDM — but it solves the problem that hurts small teams most.
What SOLIDWORKS PDM offers
SOLIDWORKS PDM keeps files in a vault: check-in/check-out stops two people changing the same file, and it manages revisions and approval workflows. PDM Standard comes with certain SOLIDWORKS packages; PDM Professional is licensed separately. Both need a server and an SQL database; rollout is usually done with reseller help.
It's the right tool for large, process-driven teams. For small teams the cost and upkeep often outweigh the gain.
What Refkeep offers (and doesn't)
Refkeep leaves your files in their folders and lets you work on them safely:
- Move, rename, rename folders, batch rename — assemblies and drawings that use them are repaired automatically.
- Where-used / contains panel, reference map, 12 reports (broken references, same-name files, orphan parts…).
- Version archive (the file keeps its name), a recycle bin that works on network drives, undo.
- Roles (viewer · designer · admin), folder lock, activity log.
What it doesn't do: no check-in/check-out, no approval workflows and no central vault; roles don't block Windows Explorer. If you need those, PDM is the right choice.
Comparison
| PDM Standard | PDM Professional | Refkeep | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Included with certain SOLIDWORKS packages | ≈ $4–5k / user + yearly maintenance + SQL Server | $490 / computer · 3 computers $1,000 · one-time |
| Server / SQL | Required | Required | None |
| Setup | With reseller help | Days + consulting | 5 minutes |
| Works with SOLIDWORKS Standard | No | Yes | Yes |
| Check-in/out, approval workflow | Yes | Yes | No |
| Reference-safe move/rename | Yes (inside the vault) | Yes (inside the vault) | Yes (in normal folders) |
Approximate, based on reseller pricing; local quotes vary.
Which one fits you?
- PDM: many people working on the same files at once, mandatory approval and release processes, an IT team to run it.
- Refkeep: a solo designer or a small team; files on a network drive or local folder; the real pain is assemblies breaking when files move or get renamed, a messy archive and deletes you can't undo.
Try it free for 30 days before you decide: just running the Broken references report on your own folder makes the picture clear.
Try it on your own files
Free for 30 days, no card needed. If it isn't for you, uninstall it — your files stay where they are.
Frequently asked questions
Does Refkeep replace PDM?
No, Refkeep isn't PDM: there's no check-in/out or approval workflow. But it solves the most common problem of teams without PDM — assemblies breaking when files are moved or renamed.
Do I need a server or a constant internet connection?
No. Internet is needed once, to activate the license; after that it works offline.
We have 5 people — how does licensing work?
Each computer uses its own license key: 3 licenses $1,000, then $300 per license — 5 computers $1,600, one-time, free updates for life.