SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Part I: SolidWorks Basics

FIGURE 2.1

Elements of the SolidWorks interface

Identifying Elements of the

SolidWorks Interface

The major elements of the SolidWorks interface are the graphics window, where all the action

takes place, the FeatureManager, which is the list of all the features in the part, the

PropertyManager, where most of the data input happens, and the CommandManager and toolbars,

where you access most of the commands in the software. Of these, I cover the CommandManager

and toolbars first.

Using the CommandManager and toolbars

In some respects, the CommandManager resembles the Microsoft (MS) Ribbon interface found in

Office 2007 applications. SolidWorks did not do a strict implementation of the MS Ribbon,

because it wanted to add more customizability. A far more complete array of interface configura-

tion possibilities awaits you with SolidWorks 2010. In this section of the chapter, I show you how

to make the 2010 CommandManager work for you, and how to use regular or flyout toolbars to

replace it effectively.