Support / Getting started
Seats and what each one can do
The four seat types, what each unlocks, and why you might not see a button.
Every user holds one seat. The seat decides broadly what you can do; your role refines it further. If a button you expect is missing or greyed out, the seat is usually the reason.
| Seat | Can do |
|---|---|
| CAD user | Everything a contributor can, plus the SolidWorks add-in: checking files in and out of the vault from inside CAD. |
| Contributor | Create and edit parts, BOMs, changes, suppliers, instructions and all other records in the browser. No CAD add-in. |
| Viewer | Read everything they have access to, including 3D and drawings. Cannot change records. Ideal for production, sales and management. |
| Supplier | External. Sees only what has been explicitly shared with them, plus tenders they've been invited to. No access to the vault at large. |
Why a button might be missing
- Your seat doesn't include it. A viewer will not see Edit, Check Out or New Part.
- Your role restricts it. Roles can allow reading a module but not changing it.
- Your access is scoped. You may be limited to certain programmes or projects — parts outside them won't appear at all, including in search.
- The record's state blocks it. A released part can't be edited directly; that's change control doing its job, not a permissions fault. See Lifecycle states.
Changing seats
Only your administrator can change your seat type, and seats are limited by your company's subscription. If you need CAD access, ask them — they can see how many seats are free.
Still stuck?
Email [email protected] and a person will pick it up. Include the part number and what you were doing — it saves a round trip.