In SolidWorks parts and assemblies there is a method to quickly create an offset plane without having to use the Insert > Reference Geometry > Plane command.
Hold down the CTRL key and drag on one of the spheres on an existing plane as shown below in the diagram.
The plane PropertyManager will appear so you can define and insert the plane.
There are many reasons for improving visibility in SolidWorks, for example if you wear glasses or if you’re giving a presentation in SolidWorks. As a Certified SolidWorks Instructor, I use the following settings that I am recommending to you.
My recommended SolidWorks settings are:
Set larger icons for easier identification under Tools/Customize/Toolbar Tab, select the Option Large icons.
Make your previews pop on screen, as the default yellow can be hard to see, from Tools/Options/Colors> Temporary graphics, select the color:
When using Shaded with edges display mode, know at a glance if the faces of a model are tangent by adjusting Tools/Options/Display/Selection: Part/Assembly tangent edge display, select the option As Phantom.
My recommended Windows 7 Settings:
From a Right Click on the Windows Desktop, you can select ‘Screen Resolution’, and the resolution can be adjusted to your preference. However more importantly on this same dialog, there is another option, called ‘Make text and other items larger or smaller’; that allows you to adjust the scale of the screen fonts. So for Windows and every program in Windows, all text fonts shown for menu’s and pull down’s will be larger regardless of your screen resolution.
To make your mouse cursor stand out I recommend making it larger and black, find this setting in
Control Panel\Ease of Access\Ease of Access Center\Make the mouse easier to use; or from the Mouse Properties Pointers Tab.
And finally make it clear when selecting dialog box items through the Control Panel/Appearances and Personalization/Change window colors and metrics, Change the colors for both ‘Selected Items’, for the current Selection, and ‘3D Objects’ for the parent selection.
Switching serial numbers is a three-part process that in most cases does not require re-installation of the software:
1. If you are using a stand-alone license of SolidWorks you will need to deactivate your current seat before modifying your installation. Open SolidWorks and go to Help > Transfer Licenses and follow the wizard to remove your activation. Installations with a network license do not have to do this step.
2. On Windows Vista, 7, and 8 go to the “Control Panel” and under “Programs and Features” right-click on the SoldiWorks entry and choose “Change.” On XP use “Add/Remove Programs.”
3. The Installation Manager will appear and you will choose “Modify the individual installation” and hit “Next.”
Afterward you will be given the chance to replace your serial number and finish modifying the installation.
If your software was installed using an administrative image you will not be able to modify your installation with this process. Please contact your company SolidWorks administrator for their preferred instructions.
This DDi CADcast covers the new enhancements to the administration and installation functionality in SolidWorks 2013.
The reference triad has appeared in the bottom left of the graphics area of part and assembly documents to help orient you when viewing models for as long as most can remember. Many users don’t realize that a few versions ago SolidWorks enhanced the triad so you can also use it to change the view orientation.
To change the view orientation using the reference triad do one of the following:
