Managing component attachments

Attach datasheets, drawings, and other files to components.

Why component attachments matter

Components often come with important supporting documents—datasheets, drawings, CAD files, spec sheets, certifications, and manufacturer references. Keeping these files organised ensures your engineering, procurement, and quality teams always have the correct information at hand.

Laminar centralises all component-related documents in one place so they stay linked to the correct item and easy to access whenever needed. This guide explains where attachments live, how to upload new ones, and best practices for keeping the library clean and useful.

Where attachments are stored

Every component has a dedicated Attachments section on its detail page.

To get there:

  1. Use Global Search to look up the component by name or keyword —or—
  2. Open Components from the sidebar and click on the component you want to view

Once on the component detail page, scroll to the area titled Attachments. This section lists all files associated with that component.

Tip Open components in separate tabs if you’re comparing documents across multiple items. It speeds up switching and reviewing.

Adding new attachments

If your Laminar setup supports component attachments, you’ll see an Upload or Add Document button.

To upload documents:

  1. Click Upload
  2. Choose one or more files from your device
  3. The uploaded files appear instantly in the list
  4. If you’re editing the component, save your changes to confirm the uploads

Laminar supports common file types such as:

  • PDF
  • PNG / JPG
  • Excel / CSV
  • Word documents
  • CAD exports (depending on your organisation’s policies)

Uploaded files are stored inside Laminar and remain available to all users with permission to view components.

Viewing component attachments

Each attachment appears as a card or row with:

  • File name
  • File type icon
  • A preview or download option
  • A remove/delete button (if you have permission)

Clicking an item either opens it in a new tab (for browser-friendly formats like PDFs and images) or downloads it. You can use this section to quickly verify component specs before adding it to a BOM or placing an order.

Replacing attachments

As components evolve, their supporting documents may also change—updated drawings, new revision datasheets, revised specifications, etc.

You can update attachments by:

  1. Removing the outdated file
  2. Uploading the new version

This ensures the component’s documentation stays clean and avoids confusion caused by multiple versions.

If you need to keep older revisions for audit or design history purposes, rename files accordingly so others can tell which version is current.

Removing attachments

To remove a document:

  1. Locate it in the Attachments list
  2. Click the Remove/Delete icon
  3. Confirm the action if prompted

Once removed, the document disappears from the component profile. This does not affect BOMs, orders, or previously created records—it simply updates what’s visible under the component today.

Warning Remove files only when you’re sure they are outdated or unnecessary. Some organisations prefer keeping revision history intact.

What attachments are useful for

Attachments help teams:

  • Confirm dimensions and tolerances
  • Validate compatibility with related parts
  • Cross-check manufacturer specs
  • Prepare BOMs accurately
  • Review quality or testing documentation
  • Share technical resources across teams
  • Support procurement evaluations
  • Avoid mistakes caused by outdated or missing files

A well-documented component profile speeds up work for every downstream module.

Common attachment types

Here are the files most commonly uploaded to component profiles:

Technical

  • Engineering drawings (PDF)
  • CAD models (STEP, IGES, etc.)
  • Dimensional diagrams
  • Electrical schematics
  • Material spec sheets

Manufacturer documents

  • Official datasheets
  • Product catalog PDFs
  • Compliance or warranty information

Quality & inspection

  • Testing reports
  • Quality certifications
  • Inspection photos

Operational

  • Packaging instructions
  • Handling guidelines

Upload anything that helps your team use or purchase the component correctly.

Naming attachments

Clear naming conventions reduce confusion, especially when a component has many documents.

A good structure includes:

  • Document type
  • Revision or version number
  • Month or year
  • Any clarifying notes

Examples:

  • Datasheet_v3_2024.pdf
  • CAD_Model_STEP_RevB.zip
  • Inspection_Report_March2025.pdf
  • 2D_Drawing_RevA.png

Well-named documents make it easier for teammates to locate the right information at a glance.

When to update component documents

You should upload or replace attachments when:

  • A supplier provides updated datasheets
  • Engineering releases a new revision
  • A design modification affects dimensions
  • You identify missing or outdated documents
  • A BOM or order requires better documentation
  • A project team requests clearer technical details

Regular updates keep the component accurate and trustworthy.

Best practices

  • Upload only the latest versions unless historical versions are required.
  • Follow a consistent naming pattern across all components.
  • Remove duplicates or outdated files.
  • Add drawing + datasheet pairs when available—both are often needed.
  • Upload attachments before adding the component to a BOM if possible.
  • Periodically review attachments during project kickoffs or audits.

Consistent discipline here ensures the entire component library remains tidy and easy to work with.

Troubleshooting

“I don’t see an Upload button.”

Your organisation may not have component attachments enabled. Ask your admin to confirm configuration or permissions.

“I uploaded a file but it’s not showing up.”

Try refreshing the page or reopening the component detail view. If still missing, it may have failed during upload—try again.

“I clicked on an attachment but it downloaded instead of opening.”

This depends on browser settings. PDFs and images usually open in new tabs; other formats download automatically.

“I accidentally deleted a document.”

Re-upload it if you have a copy. If not, check shared drives or request the file again from the supplier or engineering team.

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