Video Performance If you are experiencing sluggish rotation, panning and zooming, especially on large assemblies, make sure that Vertical Sync is forced off. This setting is found in the graphics control panel under 3D settings.    

Weldments Hot Fix There is a hotfix for SP4 that addresses trims between groups inweldments with S-039538 and SPR 505508. See below. S-039538 When opening a Weldment part in SolidWorks 2009 SP4.0,why does the automatic trim/extend between Groups in a structural member fail? A problem was identified in SolidWorks 2009 SP4.0 that did not exist [...]

“Frozen” Video in Vista If you run SolidWorks on Windows Vista with the Aero interface turned off, you may experience odd graphics behavior – specifically all but a very small area of the screen will freeze, but commands will still work. SolidWorks uses the Aero interface, so it should be turned on.  Right click on [...]

What can cause “Failed to save” document error?  There are many possible causes of an error “Failed to save” when saving models in SolidWorks®.  In one specific example the following characteristics have been identified: After modifying a chamfer or creating a new chamfer in the Edit – in – Context of an assembly This is [...]

At times it might be necessary to use different driving dimensions in your design to easily maintain design intent within your model. A couple often over looked dimensioning methods are arc length and arc angle. The smart dimension tool in SolidWorks is capable or creating both of these dimensions very easily. To create a dimension [...]

We get a lot of questions about keyboard shortcuts, this tip should answer most of the common questions. Can I get a list of the keyboard shortcuts?  Yes, and not only the defaults but also the shortcuts you’ve assigned.  To print a list go through the drop down menu Tools then Customize – the customize dialog [...]

One-Minute TipDimensions and Calculations: Just about any calculation, simple or more advanced, can be achieved directly in SolidWorks >>  

One-Minute Tip Sketch Blocks and Mechanisms: Quickly simulate the motion and interaction of mechanisms using sketch blocks >>  

One-Minute Tip Freeform: Adding a Deformed Surface: Push and pull any 4-sided surface into the shape you want to create ergonomic shapes >>