Page 66 - Mastering SolidWorks

|
34 CHAPTER 2 NavigatiNg the SolidWorkS iNterface

you use a limited number of sketch entities, sketch relations, and feature types, or if you make
extensive use of flyouts on the S toolbar. However, if you work with a wide range of tools (say,
surfacing, sheet metal, and plastic parts), you may need some additional toolbar space. It is
completely believable to have access to most of the software’s functions with the S toolbar and
either the Menu Bar toolbar or the CommandManager. CommandManager by far gives you the
most flexibility, but it also requires the most space.
The S key shortcut may conflict with another keyboard customization. To change the S toolbar
key to another character or to reassign it, follow the directions for creating and maintaining
hotkeys later in this chapter in the section on customization. It is referenced as the shortcut bar in
the Keyboard list (Tools ➢ Customize ➢ Keyboard).

Using Tool Tips
Tool tips come in two varieties: large and small. Large tool tips show the names of the tools and
available shortcut keys, along with brief descriptions of what they do. Small tool tips show only
the tools’ names and shortcut keys. To change the tool tip display from large to small, or to deselect
the tool tip display altogether, choose Tools ➢ Customize. The options for sizing tool tips and
showing tool tips appear in the upper-right corner. In addition to the tool tip balloons, tips also
appear in the status bar at the bottom of the screen when the cursor is over an icon. Figure 2.10
provides the options for tooltips and shows a comparison between large, medium, and icons.

Figure 2.10
SolidWorks uses large
tool tips by default.

NOTE the customize option (tools ➢ customize) is inactive unless a SolidWorks document is open.
to access the customize dialog box, first open a SolidWorks part, assembly, or drawing, and then
choose tools ➢ customize from the menu. customize is different from the customize menu option
found in all SolidWorks menus. the customize menu option is discussed later in this chapter.
In addition to the tool tips, this area of the Customize dialog also controls icon size and the
setting to show or hide context toolbars.