Page 70 - Mastering SolidWorks

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38 CHAPTER 2 NavigatiNg the SolidWorkS iNterface

Interpreting the Use of the Word “Shortcut” in SolidWorks
Between the SolidWorks and microsoft interfaces, the word shortcut is used in several overlapping
and confusing ways. the following list describes where SolidWorks and microsoft users might encoun-
ter the word shortcut as a formal name for interface functionality and how they might understand it.
◆ a Windows shortcut is a link to another file or folder. most users still refer to this link as a
shortcut or desktop shortcut.
◆ Shortcuts (as identified in the SolidWorks help under Shortcut ➢ keys) are either accelerator
keys or keyboard shortcuts. Users refer to accelerator keys as Alt keys and to keyboard shortcuts
as hotkeys.
◆ SolidWorks shortcut menus are commonly called the right mouse button (rmB) menus. they
have detached toolbars called context bars for both right-click and left-click options. these are
commonly known as the RMB bar and the LMB bar.
◆ Shortcut tabs (found as the “shortcut” entry in the SolidWorks help) presumably refer to
driveWorksXpress functionality, although there is no direct mention of that in the help entry.
◆ Shortcut bars are commonly known as the S key toolbar.

if you use the alternative terminology offered here, it will be clear to all users what you are
talking about.

Changing Cursors
SolidWorks cursors are context-sensitive and change their appearance and function depending
on the situation. Sketching cursors display a pencil and the type of sketch entity that you are
presently sketching. Sketch cursors also display some dimensional information about the entity
that you are sketching, such as its length or radius. Sketch cursor feedback is necessary for fast
and accurate sketching.
To learn more about sketch cursor feedback, see Chapter 3, “Working with Sketches and
Reference Geometry.”
The select cursor changes depending on the item over which it is positioned. Cursor symbols
also help remind you when selection filters are active. Figure 2.14 shows various cursors and
their significance.

Figure 2.14
various SolidWorks
cursors

Working with Models in the FeatureManager
and PropertyManager Windows
The FeatureManager and PropertyManager are windows in the interface where you will spend
much of your time. You can manipulate the content inside the windows in various ways.