|
|
Customize SolidWorks for Efficiency
8 May, 2011 By: Bill HallSolid Thinking Tutorial: You can implement these simple adjustments quickly, and start seeing the benefits immediately.
Editor's note: This tutorial courtesy of SolidWorks.
When I consider customization as it relates to SolidWorks, I always look for the "low-hanging fruit." By that I mean performing the customization tasks that take very little time to implement, pay dividends immediately, and enable typical day-to-day functions to be performed more efficiently.
We shall begin our customization efforts in the way of templates. We use these whenever we begin a part file, assembly, or drawing. All of the document properties are included in this file.
Go to Tools > Options and alter the Document Properties settings as desired. Save these as special file types: part templates (*.prtdot), assembly templates (*.asmdot), and drawing templates (*.drwdot). Organize the templates in a common folder (often, this is a location on a server that everyone can access). The path to this folder should then be defined. Do this by going to Tools > Options and altering System Options > File Locations; set the path for the document templates here. This will create a custom template tab, as seen below, which will be available when we begin a file.
The power of customized part templates is often overlooked. There can be huge benefits in using these to define "starter parts." Notice the welded structure preview in the image above; this template has been saved with an actual model in it. With these in place, we can start a new part, select a starter part template, edit the dimensional or feature values, and save it as a brand-new part. Creating a design table (Excel spreadsheet) inside this document can be useful as well. Once we define this level of customization, it is not only quicker to get started in a SolidWorks file, it also adds standardization from one file to the next.
Let's move along to the next area of customization, the interface. There are several areas here that we can adjust to really enhance the efficiencies of SolidWorks.
Toolbars have been a convenient way to manage commands for some time. However, the introduction of the patented technology known as the Command Manager has added a whole new level of control. In the following picture, you will see the Command Manager with many of the tabs activated. A simple right mouse button (RMB) click on one of the tabs will enable us to show and hide whichever tabs we need for the tasks at hand. For example, if you do not plan on using the mold tools today, turn that tab off.
The visibility of the Command Manager is controlled by using the drop-down menu Tools > Customize. With the Toolbar tab active, you can put a check in the box labeled "Enable Command Manager" to activate it. In this area you can also select to turn off the large buttons with text option, and create a much smaller width of the Command Manager once you are familiar with the icons.
Once we have the Customize dialog box open, there are several tabs available for customizing. Toolbars can be turned on and off from the designated tab. The Commands tab (below right) allows us to choose a category such as Features. This exposes the icons/commands that we can simply drag with the left mouse button anywhere in the Command Manager or any toolbar that we wish. These commands are then instantly available.
1 2
|
|
AutoCAD Tips!
Autodesk Technical Evangelist Lynn Allen guides you through a different AutoCAD feature in every edition of her popular "Circles and Lines" tutorial series. For even more AutoCAD how-to, check out Lynn's quick tips in the Cadalyst Video Gallery. Subscribe to Cadalyst's Tips & Tricks Tuesdays free e-newsletter and we'll notify you every time a new video tip is available. All exclusively from Cadalyst! |
|
