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The SolidWorks interface is also customizable through all of the standard Windows methods, such as rearranging toolbars, customizing menus and hotkeys, and changing background colors and skins. If you spend a significant amount of your workweek using this software, you want to take some time to configure it for efficiency and comfort. Because of the complexity of the interface and the myriad ways in which you can use it, each user is expected to create an interface that looks a little bit different from anyone else’s.
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SolidWorks uses several file types to accomplish tasks. The most fre- quently used types are parts, assemblies, and drawings. Beyond these, we have templates for each type and drawing format. The difference between drawing templates and drawing formats is cause for frequent confusion among many SolidWorks users, and so we will spend some extra time on this topic.
Other file types also exist, such as design tables, Bill of Materials, or BOM, templates, and table templates, sheet-metal gauge tables and bend tables, custom symbol and line type files, custom property files, color swatches, library features, and macros. This chapter contains a complete list of these file types. Some of them allow you to customize SolidWorks using simple but little-known techniques, such as the ability to add custom symbols that can be inserted into a string of text, or to create new line types, or to change how SolidWorks creates hole callouts.
If you are a CAD Administrator looking for advice on how to implement SolidWorks, this chapter includes some information, but you should also refer to Appendix A, “Implementing SolidWorks,” for additional information and higher-level planning suggestions.
Tools for Beginners
SolidWorks has many tools for beginning users that are available when you install the software. A default installation presents you with several options when you launch the software for the first time. Following is a catalog of these options and how to benefit most from them.
If you plan to attend formal SolidWorks reseller-based training, it is a very good idea to first go through some of the tutorials in this section, so that you
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IN THIS CHAPTER
Tools for beginners
Identifying SolidWorks documents Opening existing documents Using visualization tools Tutorial: Creating a part template Tutorial: Visualization techniques
Getting Started with SolidWorks
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are prepared to ask educated questions and have an advantage over the rest of the class. You will also get more out of the training if you have seen the material once before.
SolidWorks license agreement
Although the license agreement does not have any bearing on learning how to use the software — other than the fact that it allows for a Home Use License — it is useful to be familiar with what it says. Many users find this part of the license agreement, shown in Figure 3.1, to be helpful. The primary user of the license at work is also allowed to use the license at home or on a portable com- puter. This is often a good option for learning, additional practice, or completing the design of a personal project such as a deck or soapbox derby car.
Once you finish reading the License Agreement page, you can select Accept to continue.
FIGURE 3.1
The SolidWorks license agreement
Welcome to SolidWorks
The Welcome to SolidWorks screen, shown in Figure 3.2, follows the License Agreement page. It helps you to establish what type of tools you would like to see in the interface, and offers some help options.
FIGURE 3.2
Welcome to SolidWorks screen
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Quick Tips
The Quick Tips feature enables balloons with tips to help you get started with several tasks. For example, the first Quick Tip that you see may be the one shown in Figure 3.3. When you begin to create your first document in SolidWorks, a Quick Tip guides you through this process.
FIGURE 3.3
A New SolidWorks Document Quick Tip
As you begin working, Quick Tips displays a dialog box at the lower-right corner of the graphics window that offers context-sensitive help messages, as shown in Figure 3.4. As you work with the software, these messages will change to reflect what you are doing.
FIGURE 3.4
The main Quick Tip window
You can turn Quick Tips on or off using the small icon on the taskbar in the lower-right corner, as shown in Figure 3.5. You can also turn Quick Tips on or off using the Help menu, by selecting Quick Tips. The on/off setting is document-type sensitive, and so if you turned this feature off in part mode, then you must also turn it off for assemblies and drawings. Quick Tips are a great way to get started if you are a beginner, as well as to refresh your memory if it has been a while since you worked with the program, or if several versions have gone by since you last used the software.