diff --git a/src/Mod/Fem/femtools/femutils.py b/src/Mod/Fem/femtools/femutils.py
index ebeb2dca1c..efd2732b04 100644
--- a/src/Mod/Fem/femtools/femutils.py
+++ b/src/Mod/Fem/femtools/femutils.py
@@ -128,6 +128,25 @@ def is_derived_from(obj, t):
     return obj.isDerivedFrom(t)
 
 
+# working dir
+def get_pref_working_dir():
+    # _dirTypes from run are not used
+    # be aware beside could get an error if the document has not been saved
+    from femsolver import settings
+    from femsolver import run
+    dir_setting = settings.getDirSetting()
+    if dir_setting == settings.TEMPORARY:
+        setting_working_dir = run._getTempDir(solver_obj)
+    elif dir_setting == settings.BESIDE:
+        setting_working_dir = run._getBesideDir(solver_obj)
+    elif dir_setting == settings.CUSTOM:
+        setting_working_dir = run._getCustomDir(solver_obj)
+    else:
+        setting_working_dir = ''
+    return setting_working_dir
+
+
+# other
 def getBoundBoxOfAllDocumentShapes(doc):
     overalboundbox = None
     for o in doc.Objects: