Page 72 - Mastering SolidWorks

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40 CHAPTER 2 NavigatiNg the SolidWorkS iNterface

Figure 2.16 again shows the FeatureManager for a simple model, this time using the options
for Dynamic Reference Visualization (DRV). Parent features are typically above the selected
feature, and are indicated by the blue DRV arrows. Child features are typically below the selected
feature and are indicated by purple DRV arrows. (Child features can sometimes be found below
the selected feature due to SolidWorks method of putting sketches below the feature. Using the
shortcut Ctrl+T will switch the FeatureManager to a more literal representation of the feature
order where all child features come after the parents.) You will learn more about this in
Chapter 12, “Editing, Evaluating, and Troubleshooting.”

Figure 2.16
dynamic reference
visualization

The DRV enables you to instantly understand the parent/child relations between the various
features in the part. The setting to enable or disable DRV is at View ➢ User Interface, as shown in
the image to the right in Figure 2.16.
A splitter bar at the top of the FeatureManager (see Figure 2.15) enables you to split the
FeatureManager window into two windows. This enables you to display the FeatureManager
and another window, such as the PropertyManager (refer to Figure 2.17). The tab on the right of
the FeatureManager (or the F9 key) can collapse the FeatureManager to save space.

Looking at the Display Pane
You can open the Display pane flyout from the FeatureManager by using the arrow at the
top-right corner of the FeatureManager. The Display pane helps you to visualize where appear-
ances (colors), display styles, or hidden bodies have been applied in a part document and
additional functions in an assembly document. The Display pane is helpful when you’re looking
for colors that are applied to the model at some level other than the part level.
Appearances are covered in more detail in Chapter 5, “Using Visualization Techniques.”

Looking at the Rollback and Freeze Bars
The Rollback bar at the bottom of the FeatureManager enables you to see the part in various
states of history. Features can be added while the rollback bar is at any location. The model also
can be saved while rolled back.