SOLIDWORKS History and Basics

Study Notes

Menu Bar/SOLIDWORKS Menu: contains SOLIDWORKS menus, Quick Access tools, SOLIDWORKS Search, and Help options
Standard Toolbar: controls file management and model regeneration
Command Manager: context-sensitive toolbar that dynamically updates based on the toolbar you want to access
Feature Manager: design tree on the left side of the SOLIDWORKS window providing an outline view of the active part, assembly, or drawing
Graphics Area: displays and lets you manipulate parts, assemblies, and drawings
Heads-Up View Toolbar: transparent toolbar in each viewport providing common tools for manipulating the view
Task Pane: provides access to SOLIDWORKS resources, libraries of reusable design elements, and other useful items and information

Geometry Reference: defines the shape or form of a surface or solid
Plane: flat surface that can be used for sketching or mating, created by offset, angle, mid, or cylindrical surface methods
Axis: straight line that can be used for sketching, mating, or patterning, created by selecting edges, faces, or points
Coordinate System: sets of axes that define the origin and orientation of a model
Center of Mass Point: point that indicates the center of mass of a part or assembly, added from the reference geometry menu

Extruded Boss/Base: creates a 3D solid by extruding a 2D sketch along a specified direction
Revolved Boss/Base: creates a solid 3D model around an axis
Swept Boss/Base: creates useful geometry when a regular boss won’t work
Lofted Boss/Base: creates complex 3D shapes by connecting two or more profiles
Boundary Boss/Base: adds material in two directions between two profiles
Extruded Cut: removes material by pushing a sketch into the third dimension
Hole Wizard: creates standard holes and threads in designs
Revolved Cut: cuts material from a 3D model
Swept Cut: removes material from a solid model by sweeping a closed profile along an open or closed path
Lofted Cut: removes material between two or more profiles in a 3D model
Boundary Cut: removes material in two directions between two profiles