Parametric Modeling Overview

A modeling technique that allows model geometry to update automatically when dimensions change, eliminating the need for repeated redrawing.

A modeling approach where a model is composed of individual components (features) like holes, grooves, etc.

A method of creating solid models by combining basic shapes using Boolean operations (like union, intersection, subtraction).

A method to represent a solid model by defining the surfaces forming its boundaries (points, edges, surfaces).

A 3D modeling approach that creates a complete solid object.

Parametric modeling offers flexible designs, superior 3D visualization, improved downstream application integration, and faster design cycles.

3D models provide many viewing angles and better product visualization.

A parametric modeling software combining CAD, CAM, and CAE tools, popular for mechanical, automotive, and electrical components.

SOLIDWORKS offers tools for planning, fabrication, simulations, cost estimations, and manufacturability checks in design.

A parametric modeling software used in product design, especially in automotive and aerospace, combining shape-sculpting with parametric associativity.

CATIA enables creation and animation of virtual human models for ergonomic and safety simulations.

Software that allows the design's elements to be related mathematically, making it adaptable and efficient from initial concepts to final product.

Existing design data can be used to create new designs with parametric modeling.

The topmost bar containing menus, quick access tools, search, and help options.

Sets of buttons for performing design tasks; available for most tools.

Toolbars that appear when items in the graphics area or Feature Manager are selected, providing context-specific actions.

Buttons on toolbars and Command Manager grouping similar commands (variations, etc).

A context-sensitive toolbar dynamically adjusting to the selected toolbar or document type.

Left-panel organizer of design components (parts, features), mates, and assembly/drawing sheets, views.

Left panel managing part/assembly designs, drawing sheets, properties, configurations, and third-party applications.

A component of a part, shown in the Feature Manager Design Tree.

The Task Pane offers access to SOLIDWORKS resources such as libraries for design elements, views for drawing sheets, and other helpful tools and information.

To confirm a preview, right-click when the pointer changes to a hand icon.

The Confirmation Corner allows you to accept or cancel features in SOLIDWORKS.

You can click the OK icon or the Cancel icon in the Confirmation Corner.

Click the Exit Sketch icon to finish or the Cancel Sketch icon to discard changes.

The Status Bar provides information about the current task and the SOLIDWORKS environment.

The Status Bar shows tool descriptions, rebuild status, sketch details, measurements, editing messages, collaboration options, unit system, and Tags box access.

You can display or hide the Status Bar by going to View > User Interface > Status Bar.

A set of rules and specifications that govern the appearance and details of technical drawings, such as line types, fonts, and dimensioning practices.

Additional information added to a drawing to clarify its content, such as text notes, dimensions, symbols, and leader lines.

Settings that control the appearance of dimensions in drawings, such as font size, text alignment, and arrow styles.

A SOLIDWORKS tool that automates the process of adding dimensions to features like chamfers, slots, and fillets.

The system of units used in a drawing, such as metric or imperial.

The units used for dimensions in a drawing.

A tool that allows you to select objects in a drawing, such as lines, circles, and points.

To stop an active command and return to a normal mode where you can select objects.

A menu in SOLIDWORKS used to select entities in the graphics area or FeatureManager design tree. It offers various selection methods like 'Select', 'Magnified', 'Box Selection', 'Lasso Selection', 'Select over Geometry', and 'Select All'.

A selection method in SOLIDWORKS that uses a magnifying glass to inspect and select entities without changing the overall view.

A selection method in SOLIDWORKS where you drag a box around entities to select them. Selecting from left to right selects everything within the box, while selecting from right to left also selects entities that are crossed by the box boundaries.

A selection method in SOLIDWORKS where you draw a freehand loop around entities to select them. You can select entities even if the lasso loop is not closed. Clockwise selection selects only items inside the loop, while counterclockwise selection includes items crossing the loop.

A selection method in SOLIDWORKS that allows you to select entities by dragging a box or lasso over a model without starting the drag from an empty space in the graphics area.

A 2D representation of a 3D object that forms the foundation of a SOLIDWORKS model.

SOLIDWORKS supports two sketching modes: click-drag (continuous movement) and click-click (selecting multiple points individually).