Lesson 1

SolidWorks Basics and the

User Interface

l lpon SUCC\!~sful COillpkllllll orthl~ h.:SSOil, you \\ill he able to :

Describe lhe key charactenst ics or a l"cature-hased. para met ne ..,ohd
motk h.:r
D1stmgutsh bct\\ccn '>kctchcd and appltcd li.:aturc~ .

ldcnu l"y the pnndpal components nf' the ~ohdWorks user intcrlltcc.
I \pl:.lm lum dill"crent dimcnswmng mcthodologic;. ~omcy
difl"crcnt dc:-.1gn imcnh.

5
Lesson 1 SolidWorks 2013
SolldWorks Basics and the User Interlace

What is the ~ol1dWmks m~chan1cal d~-.1gn auwnulli()f1 ...on\\nr~ 1!-. ajcoture-ha.wd,

SolidWorks paramctric solid modclill,:! th~s1gn tool\\ h1ch takes ad\anLag~ orth~
Software? cas) to lea m Windn\\ s graphical user mtcrlltce. You can crcm.: Jullr
as.lmuttll'c' 3D solid 1111H.leb "ith or" 1thout cwl\tiWIII\ '' htlc utihtlng
awomat1c or user dclim:d rdat1ons tn capture de., ign illfl!lll
rhe ltalici/Cd term~ Ill th.: prC\ ious paragraph mean :
Fe ature-based
Just as an ass.:mbl) 1~ made up ul a nu mher or 1ndiv 1tlual p1.:c.: parts, a
l.,ol1dWorks model 1s also made up or mdh 1dual constnucnt clcmcm....
lhc"l' elcmenh arl' calkd fi:atur.:;..
\Vhl'n you cr.:ate a mmld ll'lllg the <\oltdWorks soliwarl', you \\Ork
with intclligl'nt. l'a~y to understand geometric feature ... such as hoss~s.
cuh. hcllc..,, ril:b. lilll'h. chamfers. and drnlls. \-, thl' li:aturcs arc crl'atl'd
they arc appl1cd d1n:ctl} to th~ '' ork pi~Cl'
h.~aturcs can be classilicd ~ts 1.'1thcr sketched or appltcd.
"'kctched I caturcs. Based upon a 2() sketch. General!) that-.ketch
I'> trmsfonned mto a solid h) e'tru-.ion. rota lion. "'' ccpmg or
loliing..
Applied I eaturcs Created dtn:ctl) on the solid modl'l. I illets and
ch:~mlcr-. ar~
c'-<tmpks of this type of l'caturl'.
I h.: l.,oltt.lWmb soli\\;tn: graphical!) shows )OUlhc katur.:-bused
~tructurc of your modl'l 111 a sp~.:ctal wtndo\.\ calkd the
I calurcManagerR destgntr~.:c. ll1e I .:atur.:Manager dcstgn trc.: nnt on!)
-.hlm" you th.: sequencl' 111 '"htch th.: li.:aturc-, 1\erc crcut.:d, it g1' .:s you
1!:'1') a~.:ccss to all the lllllll'rlytng associated tnformatton. You \\Ill kum
morl' abuut th.: rcalureManager design tree throughout this course.
Io tllu:-.tratc th.: concept of l'caturl'-
hascd moddmg, consider the part
sho'' 11 at the right

lhts part can be 'l'-ualltcd as a

collection of se\ era I di lli:re11t
1\!lllllrC~ Sllll1l' of\\ htch add
matcnal. like thl' C) lmdncal hus....
and some'' luch r.:mm c matl'nal.
like the hltnd hole

6
SolidWorks 2013 lesson 1
SoltdWorl<s Basics and rhe User lnrertace

11 \\<:''ere In map the mdh iduall~aturc ... tothe1r com:spondmg.ll!>ting

m the I caturdvlanagcr dcs1gn tree. 1t would look like thi~:

Parametric
I he dunens1ons and relations used to create a li:aturc arc caplllrcd and
slnrt:d 111 the nmdd lh1s not only enables ynu to capture your design
inll:nt. it abo cnabh:-. you to qllld.l:r and casil:r make changes to the
model.
Dm mg D1men.,1nns: rhc...e arc the dlmcn'>Wih u-.ed '"hen creating
a 1\:ature rhe) mdudc the dlmcn'>mns as-.oc1ntcd "ith the sk~:tch
g~:nmetry. a~ "ell ,,, tho..,e assocwtcd '' ith the feature itself A
.,impk c\ample nlthi.., \\Ould he ,t l~aturc like a cylmJncal boss.
I" he tllamcter of thl h1hs 1.., controlled h) the dwmcter of thl.'
sketched circle. I he hc1ght of the boss 1., controlled h) the depth to
"h1ch that ell-de "as l!\truded "hen the feature" as made
Rdallons: J'he-.c mdudc -.uch m formation as paralk!J..,m. tangency.
and conccntncuy lllstonc:tlly, tlw, type ormlimnatinn ha-. been
eonHnun1cateJ on dnl\\ mgs '1;1 feature control ... ymbols. B)
C<lptunng thts 1nthe sketch. olid'.l.llrks enable' you to full~
capture your des1gn mlent up front. 111 the model.
Solid Modeling
\ soiiJ mudd 1s the most eompktc type ul gcomctne llllldclu-.cd 111
lAD sy-.tcms. lt contams all the" ire frame and .. urlilcl! gcom~:lry
ncccs~ar) lo full) dcscnbc the edges and lltccs o l tltc model. In addillll!l
to till' glomctnc 111rnrmati1m. 11 hth the informatiOn called topology that
relates the gcometr) together \n c\ample of tnpolog) \Hluld he" h1ch
l~tccs (sur laces) meet tll "hi eh edge (cun c) This mtell1gence makes
opcratinns such a lilletmg as cas~ as ,.,cleellng an edge and ..,pec1l) 111g a
raJ1u ....

7
Lesson 1 SolidWork s 201 3
SolldWorlts Basics and the User Interface

Fully Associative
A Sol id \\ orks mndd 1:. full> a~soc1at I\ e to the dm'' mgs and
a),semhlies that r.:li:rence 11 . Changes to the model arc <IUtomaticall)
rclkcted 111 the assocwted dr:l\'>lllgs anu assemblies I iJ...e'' 1se, you can
make changes 111 the collie'- I or the Jra'' mg or asscmhl) and kn1m that
those chang..:s "d l he rctkctcd ha~:J... in the model.
Constraints
(Jcomctric rdationsh1ps .. uch as parallel. pcrpend1t:ular. hnritontal.
'ert1cal. concentne, and <:omddent arc just <;ome llt' the constraints
surportcd in ~olidWo rJ...s . In uddllinn. equation" can he used to
establish math..:matical relationship:-. among r;1ramctcr... B> using
l!OJbtramts ami cquatillllS, ) llll can guarantcc that tlcs1gn Cllll<:cpt~"> sud1
as through hole:_.. or equal radi1 arc capturcd and mamtu1m:d.
Design Intent
l hc linalnahcitcd tCnll i'> dcslgn Ill tent. Thi ... ~LihJCLl is \\llrth) or its
n\\ n ~ection. ns ti1llm\ s
Design Intent In order ll> w ..e a paramctnc muddcr liJ...e ~ohd\\wJ...s dlic1cntl). you
must co1ls1dcr the design mtent bcli1re mndchng. Iks1gn mh:nt 1s )'Ollr
plan as to ho\\ the mod cl "hnuld hch;l\ c \\hen 11 1s changed. l'he '' U) m
"h1ch the model 1s created gm ems 11\l\\ 1t "dl he chang~:d . Se\ era I
l'allors contnhutc to ho\\ you capture d1.:'i1gn mtcnt
Automatic (sketch) Relations
Based on hn\\ gc(llllell') 1s sketched, these rclatwns can pnn 1dc
l:Ommun geometric relationship~ between objcch su~:h <I~ purallel.
pcrpcmhcular. hontontLII, and 'crtical.
Equations
Used to relate dimensiOih algchraicall) , the)' pnl\ ale illl c\lcmal W:t)'
to h)rc~: change ....
Added Relations
1\ddcd to the modc.:l as tl i-.. created, rclatmns prm 1de another \\<1) to
connect related gcumc.:tr). ~ome cmnmon rclm1ons arc eonccntnc.
tangent, Cllllll'ld..:nt. and collmear.
Dimens ioning
I he \\a) in \\hich a sJ..etch Is dimcnswncd \\Ill ha\e an nnpactuponus
dc..,1gn intent Add d1mens1ons 111 a "ay th.ll rct1ects ho\\ ynu "ould
liJ..e to change them.

8
SolidWorks 201 3 Lesson 1
Sol idWorl(s Basics a nd the User Interlace

Examples of C.,om~ C.\ .ampks or tli ll'lrcnt tlc-.tgn mtent m a skctch arc -,hlm n helm\ .
Design Intent
1\ sketch tl1mcnsmncd hl-..e thts \\ ill 1-..eep
the holes 20mm from each end rcgardks-.
or hO\\ thl' ()\ erall plate \\ IUth, 1OOmm,
1s ch.mged.

~)

Baschnc dtmcn-.tons hl-..c thts \\tll 1-..Cl.'P

the holes posllmn~tl rdath e to the kfi
edg.~ or the plate. !he posit l lll1~ or the
holes arc not ,tlll.:ctctl h~ change:- in the
ll\ crall \\ idth or the plate

Dimens1oning from the edge and fiom tOO---i

ccntcr to ccmcr" tll mam tam the distance
het\\ ccn the hole ccntcrs and allo\\ it to
he changed that ''a~

How Features Dc:-.ign 111tent 1-. .tlll:ctctl h} more than JU'>t

Affect Design llll\\ a sketch 1!-. dimem.umcd. l he choice or
Intent rea tun:~ JIH.l the modd mg methodolog)' arc
also 1111portant. for e\.amplc, consider the
cas-.: nf a simple steppcd shall as sho\\ n at
the nght. There arc .,e,cral ways n pan l1!-..e
thts could he built and each "ay crcntes a
part that 1s geometrical l)' 1dentical.
The "Layer Cake" rhc layer cake approach build-. the pan nne piece at a tinw. addmg each
Approach layer. ur li.!atun:. onto the prc\ 1ous unc. hkc thi-..

Changmg the thickness or one l,t) er ha-. a npph.: clll.:ct, chang ing thl.'
f1lhlt l!ll1 of all th-.: othl.'r layer-. that \\ l're creall.'d aficr 11.

9
Lesson 1 SolidWo rks 201 3
SolidWorlts Basics ond the User Interface

The " Potter's rh~ pott~.:r's \\h~cl approach huilth the ptlrl u~
Wheel" Approach a ~mgle. re\ oh ell feature. 1\ 'mgle -.!-.etch
repr.:sentmg. thl' cross ..,c.:tion indut.lcs all the
informauon anti t.lm1cnsions neccs~ar) to mak.:
thl' part as one f~aturc. While this approach
may se~m 't:r) dlku.:nt, ha\ mg all th~.: t.les1gn
mlormat1on cont:tinl't.l "ithin a singk I~:Hun.:
lim1ts lle\1h1ht)- and can make ch:mges ''' k"anl.
The Manufacturi ng rhe manulilctllnng appwach ltl moddmg 111 1 1111.:~ the "ay the part
Approach \Hluld h~ manutllcturetl. I or <:\ample, 1rtlm. stepped shaft \\as turned
on a lath.:' ) ou \\ ould start \\ llh a pi~ce or har ..,toe!-. and r<.:lllll\ 1.!
llhllenal usmg. a ...eri.:s or cuts.

File References "'ol it.I\Vorks cr.:att:s lil~.:s that ar.: compound documents that contn1n
.:kments lnun ntht:r lik~. hie rdi?r.:nn:;, arc creatt:t.l b) hnkmg. tiles
rathl'r than Juph.:aung m formation 111 multiple lilcs.
Rel~rl'IH.:.:d liks do not h:l\c to he stor.:d \\ nh the dm:umt:nt that
reli:renct:s them. In must prat:t~e.:a l applicatHlll". tht: rt:li:renc~:t.l
documt:nts nn: .,wred 111 mulup l ~: locat mns on the computer or net\\ ork.
SohdWork~ pro\IU.:s Sl'\Craltools to t.letcrminc tlw reti:rences that
C\ISt antlthc1r locatwn.
Object linking and In the \\.' indo\\~ cm mmmcnt. intimnauon ...haring hct\\ct:n file~ can he
Embedding (OLE) hantlled t:Hher b~ ltnkmg or cmheddmg tht: mt(mnatmn.
1he main d11li:rt:m:c~ bet" t:t:n lt nked object~ anti cmhctllkd objects arc
"her~ tht: data 1s storct.l and IHm you uptlatt: the tlata n tkr you plact: tt
111 tht: tle~t i natwn lile.

Linked Objects Wh.:n an object i... linkctl. inlimnation IS urtlat~:J on ly irthe ~ource lilc
is mot.I J!it:t.l. I mJ.. cd data is ston:tlmthc llnun:e tile. !he t.le~tinaunn lilc
.,lorcs unl;. the lm:ation nr tlw source ti le (an C\tcrnal rd~rcncc). anti it
displays a rcpre~entallon or the hnk.t:tl t.lmn.
I mJ..mg 1s <ll~o uscl"ul "hen ynu want to mcludc ml(mmlllon that 11-
mamtaincd mtl~:rt:ndcntl). such as data collccteJ b) a dill~n.:nt
department.
Embedded Objects When you cmhcd an object. infi1rmation in th~: t.le-.tinat lon tile t.Jt,esn't
change it you modify the "nurce li le. Emht:dt.lcd ohject" hccon11.' part or
the tlc ...tlnatwn tile and. on et: Inserted. art: llll longer part or the suurcc
li le.

10
SolidWorks 2013 Lesson 1
SolidWorlcs Basics and the User Interface

File Reference I he 111:.111) d1 Jli:n.:11t type~ ol C'<ll.:rnal rcli:rcncc~ created b} SolidWorJ..~

Example arc slllm 11 111 the li1llo\\ mg graphic. l;)omc olthc rcl"crcncc~ can he
l111kcu or cmhcudcd

Dru\\ ing ~~

Assembl)

Library Feature Insert Part

11
Lesson 1 SolldWorks 2013
So/ldWorlcs B asics and the User Interface

Opening Files Stll!d\Norks I\ a RAM-rc<,ldcnt CAD sy.,tem. Whene\ er a tile 1~

optned, IllS coricd from liS storage locatiOn(() the comrutcr's Random
1\cccs:-. Memory nr RAM. \11 changes tolhe file an: mode to the cory
10 RAM and only \\rlllen back LO the tlngmallilcs during a Save
npcrat1on
Open

RAM
Fixed Disk

Save
Computer Memory lo better understand ''here li lcs arc -.to red and '' h1ch copy ut' the li le
\\t'arc \\urking on, 1l1s 1mpor1antto dlllcrcnllatc hct\\ccn the t\\O mam
tyres of' computer memory.
Random A ccess RamJum \ccc-,:-. Memory (RAf\.1) 1s the \Oiallk memory oftht
Memory computer. f h1s lllCI11llr) Oil f) store., informatiOn\\ hen the computer 1-.
operating. \\!hen th~ compuh:r 1s turned olT. any mformatmn 111 R \ f\1 j..,
lo..,t.
Fixed Memory I 1\cd mcmm') 1s all the norl-\ o latllc memory. l"lw. mcludcs the
computer hard dm c. lloppy disk .... ttp di..,ks and (.'[).., l'i\ed memory
lll'lds its inf(mnattun C\ t'l1 "hen the computer 1s not running.

12
SolidWorks 2013 lesson 1
SolidWorks Basics and the User Interlace

The SolidWorks rhl.! <;jolu.l\\nr"-~ us~.:r llllerlac~.: is u ll<lll\e WindO\\ s interface. and i.l'i
User Interface such he ha\~.:-. 111 the ::.a me mann~.:r a;. nth er \v mdows upphcallons. Snm~.:
ofth~.: more 1mportunt a'>pech of the mterlacc ar~.: identilicd hckl\\ .

\6)...._. ......

t: -""'''"""~"<''""'
~ "'-l
~ "-!
~ ......J
.......
~. Origin

.... . . (-
Q ~l>!!\10<

o -~
Hold
' '
o...r-o...g..-
1 l

Unselectable At lime-. you \\Ill nmic~.:

commands. 11:ons. and menu1)pllons that are
Icons gra} ~.:d out and uns~.:h.:ctahle
Thi-. 1s hecaus~.: }llU may not he" orkmg 111
the proper environment to access those opt1ons. I or example. if you arc
wor"-mg 111 a "htch (Edit Sketch mode). you ha\ e full accc.,s lOa lithe
shh:h toob. I hmc\l.!r. you cannot select the 1wns such a-. lillct or
chamf~r on the reaturcs tab of the { ommandManagcr. Th1s dcs1gn
hdp-. the mc\pericnccd u-.cr hy limitmg the cho1ccs to only tho:-.e that
.1re .1pprnpnatc
To Pre-select or A., a rule, the ...,olaiW<,r"-s soli\\ are does not require you to pre-sclect
Not? objc~.:~ ... bcftH"l' opening a menu or lhalog ho\. lnr c\ample, 1fyou \\ant
to add '>111111.' tilh:h to the edges ol')our model. you ha\e complete
frecd1H11 )OU c.m :-.dect the edges fir.,t and thcn click the Fillet wnl or
you can die"- the Fillet wnl and then select the edge-.. I he cho1ce 1s
) our-..

13
Lesson 1 SolldWo rks 2013
Sollc/Worl<s Bas1cs and the User Interface

Heads-up View l he Heads-up View tnolhar 1:> a e:,. ~ q ~- [J.

Tool bar tr:msparcnt toolbar that contams man)
common 'IC\\ man 1pula11on commam.h..
vlan) or the ICons ( -.uch ..IS the Hide/Show
Items 1con 'ohmvn) arc Flyout Tool button:o.
thll cnntum other optwns. l"hesc !lyouts
contain a small J1m n arrtm l<l access
the other commam.ls.

Pull-down Menus The Pull-dm\ n menu ... pru\ 1J e access ll\ many or the commands that
the ~oltd~orb snllware otli.:r:-. rlm11 ll\ er the nght l11cing urro\\ t1)
acce:-s the menus. ChcJ.. the pushpm tu keep the menus open.

\\then a menu item has a nght-pointing

ttrl"\1\\ hi-e th1s: t"""' . it mca1h
that tha.. 1s a sub-menu assocmtcd '' nh that
choice.
When a menu Item IS rol lo\\cd b) d hpses
hJ..c th1s "~.!> ...... ,... 11 mean., that the
npt1on opens <.1 dialog bo\ '' 1th add1tiona l
-
,_,..,~

bwSectiDf'l~

'->- ,_
&}1--
cho1cc., ur mlimnatll)ll 0..,.
J. c-....... s.,.......
c..-

~ ftDutW'liJPo.m'
p_.__
~ ,'9...

'-'"
_,. Wdd._,
tnttfoffl't.I\S

14
SolidWorks 201 3 lesson 1
SolidWorks Basics and the User Interlace

Customizing \\ hen the Customize Menu item ~~ sclectcu. !\'*M ( trlllt

Pull-down Menus each item appear-.\\ llh a check bo\. <.lcanng Se""!! C.'"

the check bo\ rcmo' cs the as..,ocmtcu 111:m Qo>flltV

ll!odofy
from the menu. LJ91" and (MNta1;
.-AIItpn
e..,..
L,_..~.,.~

h-
r..._.,.,....,
0.19""

,_
,_....,.~..,.

~C't(hft

305t~(h

~id
AI~-

-
O,..,......,.N...,..

Boui""'P-
ooton9l-
li'Jh!>
t-ot
Wdda-1
( tf311'tot fN'd

Keyboard Some menu it..:ms md1catc a k..:yhounl shurtcut lik..: tlus:

Shortcuts Solid\\ orb conform~ to standard \\ indtm.., coil\ cnt1ons for ~uch
shnrtcuts a~ Ctri+O li)r File, Open: Ctri+S for File, Save: Ctri+Z fc.11
Edit, Undo and -.o on. In ;~ddllmn.) ou cun cuslc.llllltc \oliu\\urb b~
cr~Hmg your U\\ n short cub.

Quick Tips Quic k Tips are part of thc on-line

help syst..:m. Th~:y ask"\\ hat" ould
you like to do'.'" and pro\ 1de l) plc<.~ I ~~ ~ """""""
uns\\ cr.., bascd on the current ta..,k. 0 Oto! mort lr'Wn
Clicking an answer highlight~ the 11 err.,,. lhr':!! m tm m
1con reqUired w perform that ta~k. ,., CW!u!w:r:;t"k tqn IlD
1'.1!1.
D' Edt., rmtmJune.

""'*'... ~ ~~~
Toggle Ou1ck Tips _ . /
On/Off

15
Lesson 1 SolldWorks 2013
So/idW01 ks Basics and the User Interface

Featu reM a nag er The leatureMnnagcr design tree is a unique part of the Solid Works
Design Tree sol1ware that 'isually di!-.plays all the lcntures in a part or assembly. As
lcaturcs are created they are added to the I catureManager d<.!S1gn tree.
As a result, the FeatureMnnager dcs1gn tree represents the
chronological sequence of modcling opera!Ions. The FeatureM:.111ag.er
design tree also allows access to the editing of the features (objects}
that it contains.
FeatureManager Des1gn Tree

ro~~~a:~~~~Manager
P~ DimXpertManager

H1de/
.I -- __:\"''""'"''" Show
D1splay
Pane
" ' AOOOAAI1 (l)doull)
ll:!J s.n-.
lil - .....
t: Moo..... """ fj>Kif!Od
Q F,....
~ l"''
~ ...,..
t Ong.n
a ~bV .....
fl F>Idl
fl ro1n2
li! SJ.dll
& Rob
tl C)llo<t
f:l -
fl foldS
~ !( c ........-
r
r
Hde/
Show
FM

Show and Hide Many fcatureManagcr ncms (icons and loldcrs) arc hidden by default.
FeatureManager In the image above. only l\\O li.llder-; (Sensors and Annotations) are
Items shown.
Click Tools, Options. System Options. and FeatureManager to
control their\ isibility using one of the three settings explained bclmv.
~lrl!rlk'N

"....... ..- . liJt - -

r--
~ a-;,.-
~- '
!=""""""
~ t.,.... .......,.
~a~ -
\ijJSald-
- .' I.'"""
li!S..I- .- .
~
___
f;:j r-. ill"""" .....
...,""'
fiiF....- e . .:.1 ~

r_ .. .
Automatic - ll1dc th.: 1tcm \\hen 11 is .:mpt).
Hide - Jlidc the item aL all times.
Show Show the item ar alltinh.s.

16
SolidWorks 201 3 Lesson 1
SolidWorks Basics and !he User lntorlace

Using the I he CommandManager is (I set or n:ons drv ideo llllO tabs that arc
Command geared towards srecrlic ta-.J..s. I or c\amrle. the part' crsion has -.~.:cral
Manager tab~ w Jcecss eomnMnd-. related to li:aturcs. sketches. and -.o on.

-- .:. --..-
~ ~ - .---
- e~-.- Q.f. -
b--- -011
I-.. ! ~...,lt-I~!OBot-.m!
0.0
ld\do.t
-.o.o

Note l'he Commandl\1ana!!cr can he Jrsplayed '' ith or'' llhout tc\t on the
huuons. These rmages o.,ho\\ the Use Large Buttons with Text optron.
Adding and I he dclault settings sho\\ li\1: I~N ~~l~~-~====~~~~
Removing
CommandManager
Tabs
Command Manager tabs l{lr a part
lilc. Others can be.: added or
rCillll\ ed by nght-cheJ..rng on <Ill)
_
., h .......
-;- Sbich

''"**'-
........
tab anti clicking or clearing the tab MoldToak

hy name. O.UMog<"-
Owe<tf......,
fhl.'rc arc diffc.:rent-.1.'1.., of tahs lor Gr.-.
B f.lonl(poot
part. asscmbl) and dr<m mg lilcs. -..roo~o
~ orf>UPfodud

Multiple Monitor SolrtiWorks can take adnmtugc or mu luplc monitor d i spluy~ to sp:rn
Displays monrtors and to move documen t " rndow-. or menu~ to a dilli:n:nt
monrtor.
Spanning Monitors Click Span Displays t'u on the top bar or the Solid Works" tndm' to
stretch the drsplay across both rnon rt1lr~ .

17
Lesson 1 SolidWorks 201 3
SolldWorlls Bastes and tho User Interface

Fitting to a Monitor Fit to Left Display nr Fit to Right Display " on th~
Cli~:l-.. ~ither
top bar {ll a document to lit 11 to the lell nr nght mon twr

L~ J
Tip I'he (. nmnHJndl\ l .mag~r or Prupcrt} "-1JnJI!O:r lJn he drag~o:d and
dod.cu on the top. "'de or ouhtdc of the ~nltu\\o rl-...., '' tllll(m nr 10 a
dtlkrenlnHll1lltlr
PropertyManager \.lan) '.nlu.l\\ tlrb cnmnwnu' ar~ e\el'lltcd through the
Prnpert} \1anago:r. lho: Prorert) \ huwg~r m.eupie~ th~ ...a me ~ero:en
po~iti1m a' th~ I euturo:~ l anagcr dc,ign tree and rerlao:~s 11 "h~n 11 j., m
u..e.

Prev1ew

~ Open and
Close 1con

Group Box
Open and acuve

Group Box
.,
Closed and mactve

'I h~ 111p nm of' bull nth o:olll;lln' th~ ,t,md.ml OK. Cancel ,md Preview
hullon'
lkhw. the top nm of' butwn' tr~ on~ m more Group Boxes that
cnntam ro: l.ttcd optt\111,. I ht:) can h~ npo:m:d (e\p;,uukd) or elo..,~d
( etlllap,cd) ;tnd Ill mJn) l'<t":" made , tell\~ or maclt\ e

18
SolidWorks 201 3 Lesson 1
SolldWorks Basics and the User Interface

Task Pane I h~ Task Pane \\ muo" C<llllams the SolidWorks Forum

SolidWorks Resources .J . Design Library d . File Explorer
Search .a , View Palette , Appearances, Scenes, and Decals ~

and Custom Properties - uptwns The" mdo'' appears on th~ nght

h~ ddimlt hut 11 can hemmed and ro.:~11~d 11 can he 11po.:ned 'closed.
tacked or mo' ed rrom Hs del~tull positiOn on the ng.ht ~de o l thc
lntertltco.:.

w_
GtttaQ ltarl.-d
Q ..
lt

..
~a~ U os~
,_.,, ""'

-
~a-.'*'-"'

--
? ..........
~) (.tref"'llll~
'-''
u
"''-
,_
-
'-'1:111
lHSOnOl'

,u,_
.

-
.__
t "' '--"' Ot-o.,...onoo~Jhttce
_)
o--
.. Repart. hU ....

..a.
U lfl'UOf\10

__
~

""'
- .. ~~b'
h:....._
o.w.tl
~lk!lol

......... . . .
(A)ffont (A) TOO

- ..... ..
......,.._,..,.,._~

~......_

1.-.r:;.PC
LNS
.:.,,
~~-...,_
L
(A)~t
..a.
'8iod

---
....,......
~~

~ ....
..........
,a1thu!IL
.. .......
~
~

-
~~
"N:::td'IEPC!Wa.t.

-......
. ....W:kE..-~P"'td
3 1Beta1 .. ~bl

-....
~:~~ -

.. ........
filtafl . . lloy
'\'ouW~e,dtltW'tuQb

..,.,..
~,

SDidW\. 'Y """"

19
Lesson 1 SolidWorks 2013
Sol/dWorlrs Basics and the User Interface

Opening Labs with You can opcn partJ> and al!l-Cmhhcs re4turcd
the Design Library lor lab c\erctses u~mg the dcstgn library.
\dd the cla~s liJc.., to the dcst gn llbrnry ~u- ...
U t......OI
usmg thi~ proccourc. e::E!::I
.Q . . -
Open thc Task Pane ,1110 the Design , t;J ~
~
Library.
Cl id, Add File Location 4
<;clcet the Essentials lt)ldcr uscd l(lr
the clasl-t lilcs. 11 should be found under
the SolidWorks Training Files folder.
Click OK.

Double-dtek th~o: teon of the part <lr asscmbl) tn tho.: Design Library nr
orag uno orop ll Ill tO the ( iraphics i\rca tonpo.:n it.
Search lhc Search optton can be used to lino Files and Models on your
sy ...tcm b) searching !or any parlofthe name (requtres Wind~ms
Dcsklllp S~.:urch o.:ngmd. or to lind mformatmn from SolidWorks Help.
the Kmm lcdgo.: Bas~.:, Community I orum or Commands. Search w.. ing
lhts proccourc:
( hoose \\ htch type of s~arch you Wllltld Jtke tO 00.
rype ,t name or parual name mto the Search -=-----'T':'""...
b11\ ano click the search tcon IEJ.
lor Knowledge Base and Community
Forum llcarches. you will need to login to
your account

20
SolidWorks 2013 Lesson 1
SolldWorlt.s Basics and the User Interlace

Mouse Buttons lhc kll. right and nmldk mousL' huunns ha\c di~unct n11:an1ng~ 111
<.;ol id Works.
Left
()elect objects such a ... gcnmctr). menu ... bullon~. and nhjcds in till
I cuturcManag.cr d..:s1gn tr..:c
Right
Activates a contc\t scns1tl\ c shorh.:ut menu. I he ~:on tents olthc menu
ddlcr dcp~.:ndmg on "hat nhJcct the cursor 1s over. lhe:-.e menu., abu
n.:prcselll shortcuts to frcqucnlly used commands.

Note \t thc top of th..: Shortcut Menu is thc Context

Toolbar ll con lams some of thc most cnmmonl}
ti'-Cd commands 111 1cnn llmn.
Bdm' 1t ~~ thc puii-Jo\\ n mcnu. It ~:on lam' other
command ... that arc availablc in the ~:nntL'\l or the
sdct:tion. in thts c:-.amplc a lace.

c.........
,_~

*'X c...._r......
O....c-
AOittof,_ts
..., _ _ _ _ _--1

Middle
Dyn:umcall} rotate" pans or tooms <1 part nr asscmhly. Path a dra\\ ing.
System Feedback I c!.!tlhack 1s prm ttled h) a symb,,l attached to the
cursor nrrm' tndll:<lllllg "hat you an: sekctlllg or V..:rtc\
\\hat the !>}'>lem ts cxpccting you to sl.!kcl. As thc
cursor llnab a..:ro's the model. lcedhad, "ill come Fug.:
Ill lhl.' l(mn of S) mho Is. ndmg ne\t tu the cur...or
The illustration at the right ... ll!l\\ ... '>OI11e nr thl.' I a~o:l.'
...ymhob. 'crte\. cdg..:. fac..: am.! d1mcn,tun
I)lllll.!ll\ton

21
Lesson 1 SolidWorks 2013
SolldWorlt.s Basics and the User Interlace

Options I ocatcc.J on the Tools menu. the Options dialog ho\ enable!> you to
cttstollll/e the C.,olidWnrb so1iware to rellcct !>Uch things as your
company\ dralling st:mc.Jards il" \\ell a-. your inc.Ji, ic.Jual prcli.:rences
and "urJ.. cm 1ronment

Tip l -;e the -.carch har in the upper nght of the.: Options dialog bo\ In find
sy~t..:m opt1ons and c.Jocum..:nt prop..:rt1..:s. lypc the lahcl of the ch..:ck
h{l\. radio button. nr other option to locOJie the page" h..:rc the option
fo.!SIUC!>.

r;;;;;;;;-
o.._, ,, - ....--t(tltt..... - .1

D!JI>IYWi4o
Au ~hll
I \.loo_,..._
--""'
,.,.....~---

...
' Cob> J,...,.
,....
~ d<h
.. Cl'u!lltln.Moactan~f"'*'e
./LJwtyt'--- bclmm:llnl

- '
~
--~lrO-""""
I....
Oooplty!Sc! t ....
Pt1'f01'1NfW
.-tn;llitl~IMU,-"!a. ...._,

'(deN),..........,..
.,,~(0'1~ ..,...,~

r ............,._~QPeft......,...
-~~~...-.mC'I''tttM't: . . .
f><f.,.., T..,pl" "

l1
f"lt~ lOC.tt'IOfU,

feetureMIJN~jet
~ ecM -.oo '-' ,t<O'*'O

fNiilr fe~ta.t~

1I
:~:~:~
.I f:Nd~P1 H!Mr
WhMetaMIIftiJ~ llltcnDt.
T-h c.....,.,...h~-~llk:.er.,~ ~ )
Hclf' YfiDidtl oolbol
f~~tt
J,,.,.._..,.... flmiar~-jW"'t

DIMbllr ad6111:11Nf .......,.t Cllf'lf91U\~tmlilll

l*"h ~...,.ltltSoldWollb w~
l 'ollbot"-
1 ... ~ l rton/Wf n'lln-'}i
~-
- - Custom<r [ W _ I M _ l P7ogr>m
~
~ .... ~~Ci~Clrt~Mtlr!~~ .nirQy:ut.gtle:sCD ~twb "WJUafiOn

22
SolidWorks 201 3 Lesson 1
SolldWorl<s B asics and th e User Interlace

Customization You ha\e SO.:\ emll.:-.d~ or l.:ll~lllmi nllllln . fhcy .m.::

System options
!he opt1on~ g.roupcu umkr the h..:aumg System Options <~re ~;l\co on
your") stem a nu allcct ..:' ~:ry document you open m your <.;oliuWorb
sc-.s1on <.;y~tcm sett mg), allll\\ you to control a nu cu;,tomuc) our" ork
ell\ mmmcnt. I or ..::-.ample, you might like ''orking '' uh colorcu
'1c\\ port background. I don 1. ~mcc th1s I'> a :-.ystl' lll -..cuing, pans or
a ... scmhl ics opened on ) llUr systo..m \\oulu ha'~.: a colorcu ' le\\ port The
'ame file-.. opened on my 'Y~tcm \\lluld not.
Document properties
1 hcse scttmgs arc applied to the md1\ idual document. Ior c\amplc.
units. dralimg standaru~. and matcnnl prupcrtle'> (dcns1ty) Jrc nil
document settmgs. lhey arc '-<1\cd \\ ith the document and do not
l'hangc. regard ii.!SS of \\hO~C ~}'>tem the document 1-.. Opl.!ned on.
I or more informalwn ah1111t the option" -..l'ttmgs that arc u-.cd 111 th1s
cour-..c, rdcr to Optum.\ S<'flmgs on page 496 in the i\ppend1x.
Document templates
Document tem pla tes arc prc-uclincd uocumenls that \\ere set up" ith
ccrtam sp.:n lk '>Cttmgs. I or c\amplc. youmtght want t\\ll d11lcr.:nt
template-. I(Jr purl..,. One" ith l.ngli-..h sett lllgl> ... uch a~ i\NS I drulimg
-.tandard-. anu mch units. and one "llh met ne settings ~uch a~
millimctcrs un 11~ and ISO drnl\mg -.wnuards. You can '>Cl up a~ mull)
di llcrcnt uocument tcmpl.ue-. <h you nceu. lhc.:y can be organu.:d mto
d11lcrent fo lu.:r'> for easy acc.:s-. \\hen opl..'nlllg ne\\ docum.:nts. You
can create document templates fi1r pan-.. as'>cmhltcs. and dr;m mgs.
f or more detailed 1nstruL11uns on htm wncat.: document templates.
rclcr to /Jocumenl li..mp/ar's tlfl page 496 111 the 1\rpcntlt\.
Object
Mun) tunes the propcnic-. ofun ind1\ 1ouul obJCd c:.~n hl' chang..:u or
cdncu I or c\ampl.:. you can change the uci~IUit ot~play ol a d1mcns1on
to supprc"" one or both c\tcnslon Iincs. or you can chunge the color of a
feature.

23
Lesson 1 SolldWorks 2013
SolidWorks 8as1cs and tho User Interface

24