Mirror existing sketch entities with the Mirror Entities tool or by adding symmetric relations. Or, dynamically mirror sketch entities as you create them. Mirror sketch entities that you previously created. Dynamically mirror sketch entities as you create them. Add symmetric relations to sketch entities to mirror the entities.
Use the sketch tools Convert Entities and Offset Entities to reference sketch entities and model geometry to create new sketch entities. If the original geometry changes, then the converted and offset entities also change. Create converted entities into a new sketch. Create offset entities. Create a slot using offset entities.
Contour selection options allow individual contours to be selected within a sketch. By making use of contour selection techniques, a single sketch can be used to produce multiple features. Use the Contour Select Tool to pre-select contours for a feature. Use the Selected Contours options for a feature to define areas of a sketch to use. Use a single sketch to generate multiple features. Understand the icons displayed when using selected contours and sharing sketches.
Create reference planes in any orientation using existing reference and solid geometry. You use reference planes for sketching or as a reference for other features. Create reference planes in a variety of orientations from different reference selections. Create reference planes from one or more geometric references.
Use the Interference Detection tool to identify any overlap between parts in an assembly. Clearance between parts can also be detected using the Clearance Verification tool. Use the Interference Detection tool to identify interferences between assembly components. Explore the options available within the Interference Detection tool. Use the Clearance Verification tool to identify clearances between assembly components. Explore the options available with the Clearance Verification tool.
Create assemblies by adding and orienting existing parts in an assembly. Add mates to connect the components. Create a new assembly from a part. Introduce the assembly FeatureManager design tree. Insert components into the assembly. Move and rotate components. Add mates between components.
Extend sketch profiles to create extruded bosses to add material and extruded cuts to remove material. Use sketch relations and dimensions to define sketch profiles. Understand some of the options for extruded features. Add material with an extruded boss and remove material with an extruded cut.
Create rounded or beveled edges using fillets or chamfers, respectively. Understand general filleting rules to facilitate better modeling practices. Create and understand some of the options for constant radius fillets. Create and understand some of the options for chamfer features.
Use sketch relations to fully define a sketch and capture design intent. Learn about automatic sketch relations and sketch relations that you add manually. Add relations between two lines to understand common sketch relations. Add relations between circles and arcs to observe additional sketch relations.
Evaluate the size, weight, and more of a model using the measure and mass properties tools. Understand how the material and coordinate system of a part affect its mass properties. Measure between points and circles to determine the size of a part.
Learn how to quickly create, adjust and add new Appearances, either from scratch or from the Visualize Cloud Library. Modify existing Appearances quickly and easily. Create and apply new Appearances. Explore the Visualize Cloud Library and add professional-grade assets to your projects. Learn the Shift-click shortcut to speed up application of Appearances.
Adding decals to a part is a good way to add logos and touchscreens to your Visualize scenes without having to incorporate them into the actual model design. They function just like digital stickers, and can be easily added to a part, moved around, and changed with appearances. Easily drag and drop to add decals to your project. Understand how to manipulate decals and the available settings. Apply appearances to decals that already exist in your scene.
Easily manage all the environments, lights and backplates from the Scenes Tab to light your project like a virtual photo studio. Learn how to add and adjust HDRs and position your model perfectly into a backplate. Light your CAD data simply with just a single HDR. Add and switch between multiple HDRs to find your desired lighting effect. Adjust commonly used settings for each HDR. Use a backplate to place your model into any scene.
The SOLIDWORKS user interface (UI) can be modified to suit your needs by displaying the tools you use most. You can rearrange the display of toolbars and the CommandManager and add your own keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures. Turn tabs on and off in the CommandManager. Learn how to dock and undock toolbars and panes. Add commands to toolbars. Add keyboard shortcuts. Customize mouse gestures.
Exploded views can be created in assemblies to assist in detailing and visualizing components. Learn how to create an exploded view in an assembly. Use the options within the Exploded View command to explode single and multiple components. Understand the options for exploding sub-assemblies. Automate spacing for multiple components in a chain explode step. Learn how to animate explode steps.
Use the Physical Dynamics options when moving components to allow realistic interaction between assembly components. Physical dynamics identifies collisions between faces and allows components to push one another when they come into contact. Understand options within the Move Component command. Use the Physical Dynamics option to simulate interaction between components being moved. Understand the limitations of using Physical Dynamics versus a Motion Study. Learn how to troubleshoot issues when using the physical dynamics option.
Create lines and centerlines as entities in a sketch. Understand the options for creating lines in a sketch. Draw lines that are vertical, horizontal, or at a specified angle. Use centerlines for relations and dimensions to facilitate the creation of model geometry.
Create circles and arcs as entities in a sketch. Learn about the variety of tools you can use to create circles and arc. Understand when you might choose the different circle and arc tools based on points in the center or along the perimeter of the circle or arc.
