Page 64 - Mastering SolidWorks

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32 CHAPTER 2 NavigatiNg the SolidWorkS iNterface

Notice that on low-resolution or non-maximized SolidWorks windows, you can run into some
space problems if the Menu Bar menu is pinned open. You need to examine customizations to the
SolidWorks interface with display size in mind. You might consider having different sets of
settings for using a laptop at a docking station with a large monitor, using the laptop with a small
monitor, and using the computer with a low-resolution digital projector.
A setting exists to help you control the display for these situations. Figure 2.8 shows the
View ➢ Workspace menu. This gives you the options of Default, Widescreen, and Dual Monitor.
With dual monitors, you can put some elements of the interface on the second monitor to save
graphics space. You will also see a Touch Mode option in the View menu, which will help you set
up the display for touch screens and tablets.

Figure 2.8
The Workspace and
touch mode interface
settings

Looking at the Flyout Toolbar Buttons
SolidWorks saves space by putting several related icons on flyout toolbars. For example, the
Rectangle tool has a button for each of the several different ways to make a rectangle, and they
are all on the rectangle flyout. To see all available flyouts, choose Tools ➢ Customize ➢
Commands ➢ Flyouts.
Flyouts primarily save toolbar space when several tools are closely related. SolidWorks has set
up flyouts in two configurations: flyouts that always maintain the same image for the front
button image (such as the Smart Dimension flyout) and flyouts that use the last-used button
image (such as the Rectangle flyout).

Exploring the Context Toolbars
Context toolbars are toolbars that appear in the graphics window and in the FeatureManager
when you right-click or left-click something. When you right-click, a context toolbar appears at
the top of the RMB menu and shows the functions that SolidWorks deems the most commonly
used functions. The advantage of this block of tools is that because they are more commonly used,
you should be familiar with the icons, so they don’t need supporting text titles, as do the less
commonly used tools on the RMB menu. Figure 2.9 shows the RMB menu with context bar.