Page 188 - Mastering SolidWorks

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Using the DisplayManageR 157

Figure 5.14
annotation views for
Chapter5SampleCasting
.sldprt

Using the DisplayManager

The DisplayManager organizes all the display and visual information into a form that makes it
easier to understand and control. The DisplayManager lists Appearances, Decals, Scenes, Lights,
and Cameras. You can find the DisplayManager as a tab in the FeatureManager window area.
Figure 5.15 shows the Appearances data for a part with a material and color applied to two faces
and a feature.

Figure 5.15
Using the Display-
Manager to manage
appearances

Appearances in SolidWorks are a combination of color and texture. In order to have
appearances display and sort in the DisplayManager, you have to first apply appearances.
Most of the appearances are meant to look like idealized materials in real life. Remember that
materials are applied separately and control physical properties such as density, strength, and
so on. Appearances deal with cosmetic properties. Polished, cast, knurled, machined, sand-
blasted, and other surface finish types are available to add realism to your models.

Applying Appearances
You can apply appearances to faces, bodies, features, parts, assembly components, or even the
top-level assembly. Even if you don’t apply an appearance, every part and assembly template
starts with a default appearance (except very old templates), which is white, glossy plastic.
You can apply appearances in several ways:
Double-click: Double-clicking an appearance in the Appearances panel of the Task pane
applies the appearance to the document (part or assembly).