Page 91 - Mastering SolidWorks

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the Bottom liNe 59

Figure 2.34
multiple monitor
controls

The document window controls add Tile Left and Tile Right, which force the current docu-
ment window onto the left or right monitor, respectively. When accessing the Tile Left/Right
icons on a single monitor, the documents will be sent to the left or right half of the screen.
Multiple monitors work best if they have the same vertical resolution; for example, a 1920 × 1200
wide screen and a 1600 × 1200 normal aspect-ratio monitor would work well side by side, but
mixing with a 1024 × 768 screen would not. When monitors of different vertical resolutions are
used, SolidWorks sizes to the lowest resolution monitor (the second number listed is the vertical
resolution).

The Bottom Line

Learn the different parts. The SolidWorks interface has many elements because SolidWorks
has so much functionality. You can access most elements multiple ways, which can be
liberating because it offers options, but it can also add to the confusion because there is so
much to know. You do not need to know every way to do everything; you only need to know
the best way for you.

Master It Identify each area around the SolidWorks window.
Customization is key. Customization opportunities in SolidWorks are vast. Everyone has
different tastes and preferences when it comes to running the interface. Some prefer the
keyboard, some the mouse. Some prefer the touch interface. There are different strategies that
depend on your specific situation—for example, saving space, saving mouse travel, or saving
mouse/keyboard clicks. SolidWorks has touch interface options, as well as various accessibil-
ity tools intended to accommodate special needs, such as different input devices or color
blindness.
Master It Create some simple keyboard shortcuts (hotkeys) for the functions you think
you will use the most.
Manipulate multiple windows. Manipulating multiple windows is important in all
computer use, but especially in CAD, where you work with enormous amounts of data and
numbers of documents that surpass other types of programs.

Master It Open several sample documents from the Wiley download data and practice
manipulating the windows.