This guide will walk you through installing, setting up, and learning the basics of the Bild desktop application. The desktop app is ideal for engineers making CAD changes on their local computers. It provides the easiest way to access, check out, and check in files.
Installing and Logging Into the Desktop App
Navigate to Account Settings > Token in the browser.
Click "Download Desktop App" and install the downloaded application.
Return to the Tokens page and select Generate to create a one-time login code.
Copy the code and paste it into the login page of the desktop app.
Important: For Bild Gov-Cloud users: In the desktop app, select the PDM dropdown and choose GOV before logging in.
Syncing the Desktop App to Your Local Drive
Once logged in, Bild will prompt you to select a local directory. This directory will store files downloaded from Bild and sync any modified, outdated, or new files.
Click on the file path to select or create a local folder for syncing.
Important: To ensure proper syncing, avoid selecting a folder that is also syncing with other cloud services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.
Navigating the Desktop App
The desktop app makes it easy to check in and check out files, view file statuses, and manage your designs efficiently.
Dashboard
Your Dashboard displays all your files, including any pinned projects from the web app. Navigate to Settings to check your app version, update your local directory, refresh manually, or log out.
Tip: Pin frequently used projects for easier accessibility by hovering over them and clicking the Star icon. This is a personal setting and won’t affect other users.
Project Files Page
The Project Files page provides access to all your files and key actions:
Opening Files: Double-click any file to open it in its respective application.
Tip: Double-clicking an assembly will download and open it along with its child files.
Filtering Files: Use the Project Files dropdown to filter files by:
Project Files – Default file structure
My Files – Files you have checked out
Local Files – Files downloaded to your local drive
Non-local Files – Files not yet downloaded locally
New Files – Files added locally but not yet uploaded to Bild
Modified Files – Locally edited files awaiting check-in
Outdated Files – Local copies that are outdated compared to the cloud version
Items – Placeholders for metadata or part numbering
File Statuses
New – Exists locally but has not been uploaded to the cloud
Outdated – A newer version is available in the cloud
Modified – The local version has changes that need to be checked in
Local – A copy exists in your local directory
Search
When searching within a project, results will be limited to files in that specific project. You can search by:
File name
Part number
Custom properties
Recent Searches
Next Steps
Now that you’ve set up the desktop app, here are recommended next steps:
For SolidWorks users: Setting Up Bild on SolidWorks
Check-in/check-out workflows
Creating projects
Uploading files