Using the Classic Content Chooser

You can load objects in session by running the classic Content Chooser. This capability is used in many commands when a query on objects is necessary.

Only some apps and batches use the classic Content Chooser. For more information about the other version of the Content Chooser, see Using the Content Chooser.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: The interface might differ from one app to another and other tabs might be displayed. For app-specific information, see the documentation of interest.

Access the Content Chooser

The Content Chooser can be accessed from commands requiring a query on objects.

  1. In the Product Structure Design app, select Insert an Existing Product in the Product Edition section of the action bar or any other geometrical object available in the command flyout.

    You can run this command either from an empty product (e.g. a product you just created through Add > Content), or from a product which already contains geometrical objects. In this scenario, the command is run from an empty product.

  2. In the geometry area, select the product in which the object is to be inserted.

    You can also make your selection in the geometry area first, then run the Insert command.

    Important: The name of the dialog box reflects the action you are performing.

Load Objects From a Search

You can search for stored objects then load them in your session.

  1. Enter your search criteria in the empty box. Note that wildcards used at the beginning of the search criterion will be ignored and that the ones used at the end of the search criterion need to be added explicitly in order for the library to be searched.
    The query is run only on attributes that are part of the identifier set. The identifier set lets you associate a list of characteristic attributes to a given object.
    Note: The search is run in case sensitive mode.
    Tip: The search criteria are kept throughout your session and therefore, next time you access the Search tab, the last entered criteria are displayed.
  2. Click Search.
  3. Click Apply to launch the query or OK to launch the query and close the dialog box.
  4. Select the desired objects (multi-selection is supported) from the search results then click OK.

The objects are inserted and the Content Chooser is closed.

For more information on inserting objects, see Product Structure Design User's Guide: Working with Products, Inserting a New Product.

Load Objects From a Session

You can search for objects loaded in your session then insert them in the current tab.

  1. To select an object from your session, access the From Session tab:

    This tab lets you select the objects you want to use in:

    • A Product Structure Design tab
    • A Search Results tab
    • Any Navigation tab.

  2. Click Retrieve Loaded Data.
    All objects already loaded in your session are displayed.
  3. In the result list, select the object to be inserted.

    Important: Multiselection is available if this behavior has been specified by the application.

  4. Optional: To interactively select the objects to be inserted, click Select in the Content Chooser then directly choose your object from either an open Product Structure Design tab, a Navigation tab, or a Search Results tab:

    • In Product Structure Design, select an object in the tree.
    • In Navigation tabs, select either an object in the tree, or select its representation (the ability to select an object from a Navigation tab is especially helpful because your tree can be a filtered view of the product structure). It is also possible to select a reference attached to a folder from the Folder Editor workbench open in the current session.

    When you select an object, it automatically replaces any objects already displayed in the Content Chooser result list and the newly selected object is highlighted:

  5. Click OK to insert the object or double-click the object.

    Important: OK becomes available when at least one object is selected. Otherwise, it is grayed out.

Load Objects From a File

The From File tab lets you import external content in your session. If the application you are using requires external content, the From File tab is displayed in the Content Chooser. Otherwise, this tab is not displayed.

The application can specify any kind of file formats. If no format has been defined, the default file formats are listed below:

*.bmp*.pdf*.xlsb
*.csv*.png*.xlsm
*.doc*.ppt*.xlsx
*.docm*.pptm*.xlt
*.docx*.pptx*.xltm
*.gif*.prn*.xltx
*.jpe*.tif*.xml
*.jpeg*.txt
*.jpg*.xls

Extensions are filtered according to the application you are using.

The scenario below takes a design table as an example but the use of the Content Chooser is identical whatever the context. For detailed information about specific object attributes, see the documentation of interest.

  1. Create a sample as explained in the Knowledge Basics User's Guide: Managing Relations: Design Table: Creating a Design Table from an Existing File. .
  2. In the Knowledge section of the action bar, click Design Table .
    The Creation of a Design Table dialog box opens. For more information, see Knowledge Basics User's Guide: Managing Relations: Design Table: About the Design Table Dialog Box.
  3. Click OK.

    A design table is designed to drive the parameters of a 3DEXPERIENCE document from external values (these values are stored in the form of a table either in a Microsoft Excel file on Windows or in a tabulated text file). You need to use the From File tab to import external files in 3DEXPERIENCE.

  4. In the From File tab, click Import.
  5. Select the type of file in the Files of type box (in our scenario, we import a .xls file) then browse your file tree to select the file to be imported.

    Important:
    • Multi-selection is not supported.
    • Next time you access the Content Chooser, the Look in list will display the last directory in which you selected a file.

  6. Click Open then enter at least a representation name (a default one is provided).
  7. Clicking Finish to import the file in the Content Chooser.
  8. Click OK to validate.

    A dialog box asks you whether you want to perform automatic associations between the design table columns and the document parameters which have the same name: click Yes.

    A multi-row design table is created. When you click Edit table... (at the bottom of the dialog box), you can see that the values stored in the file you imported are displayed.