Page 75 - Mastering SolidWorks

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ideNtifyiNg elemeNtS of the SolidWorkS iNterface 43

PropertyManager, drag its icon from the tabs out into the graphics area and release. You can see
the detached PropertyManager in Figure 2.1. After the PropertyManager is detached, you can
move it to a second monitor, float it within the SolidWorks window, dock it, or reattach it. To put
it back in its place under the FeatureManager, just drag it back on top of the FeatureManager
using one of the docking station symbols on the screen, allow it to snap into place, and release it.
You can also use the splitter bars (shown in Figure 2.1 in the upper-left corner) to put
the FeatureManager on top and the PropertyManager beneath, or you can use the flyout
FeatureManager. When creating or editing a feature, you can access the flyout FeatureManager
by double-clicking the name of the feature at the top of the PropertyManager. The flyout
FeatureManager is displayed just to the right of the regular FeatureManager, in the main
graphics window; it’s transparent to enable you to see the model through it. The various ways
of combining the FeatureManager and PropertyManager are shown in Figure 2.19.

Introducing the DisplayManager
The DisplayManager helps you understand the various display-related items applied to your
part or assembly. This includes lights, scenes, backgrounds, appearances, colors, textures, and
decals. Figure 2.20 shows the DisplayManager with the Appearances active. Chapter 5 discusses
the DisplayManager in more depth.

Getting Around the Task Pane
By default, the Task pane sits to the right of the SolidWorks screen, although you can undock it
entirely. If you want to keep it open, click the pushpin in the upper-right corner of the pane. The
Task pane is shown in Figure 2.21. If you cannot see the Task pane, it may be turned off. You can
turn it and other interface elements on or off using the View menu (refer to Figure 2.16).
The Task pane is the home for several panels:
Home Tab: This tab enables access to the Welcome screen as well as several miscellaneous
SolidWorks tools. You can also access the Subscription Services from here.

Design Library: This includes locally stored libraries, Toolbox, and 3D Content Central. It also
contains “SolidWorks Content,” which can be downloaded directly from the Task pane.
File Explorer: You can use this Windows Explorer interface to browse for files.
View Palette: This palette enables you to visually select views and drag them onto a
drawing sheet.
Appearances, Scenes, and Decals: This panel enables you to select appearances and scenes
for your SolidWorks documents. SolidWorks has also moved decals into the SolidWorks
Standard level of the software instead of being part of the rendering software.
Custom Properties: The Custom Property tab in the Task pane enables you to create a custom
interface that goes inside this Task pane tab, which will help you enter custom property data
quickly, easily, and accurately.
SolidWorks Forum: This tab shows some of the latest comments on the SolidWorks forums.
Clicking a link in this panel launches a web browser window for more convenient access.

Recovered Documents: After a crash, auto-recovered documents are listed in this special-
purpose Task pane tab.