SolidWorks 2011 Parts Bible - Matt Lombard [31]
SolidWorks cursors are context sensitive and change their appearance and function depending on the situation. Sketching cursors display a pencil and the type of sketch entity that you are presently sketching. Sketch cursors also display some dimensional information about the entity that you are sketching, such as its length or radius. Sketch cursor feedback is necessary for fast and accurate sketching.
Cross-Reference
To learn more about sketch cursor feedback, see Chapter 3.
The Select cursor changes depending on the item over which you have positioned it. Cursor symbols also help remind you when selection filters are active. The cursor is frequently available as an OK button. For example, after selecting edges for a Fillet feature, the RMB functions as an OK button. Figure 2.22 shows various cursors and their significance.
FIGURE 2.22
Various SolidWorks cursors
Working with models in the FeatureManager and PropertyManager windows
The FeatureManager window is the panel to the left of the screen, which shows an ordered list of features describing how the part was built. SolidWorks users spend a fair amount of time using the FeatureManager to edit or inspect models. Figure 2.23 shows the FeatureManager for a simple model.
Using the FeatureManager
There is a splitter bar at the top of the FeatureManager that enables you to split the FeatureManager window into two windows, enabling you to display the FeatureManager and another window, such as the PropertyManager. Small arrows in the middle of the right separator can collapse the FeatureManager to increase screen space. The F9 key also collapses or opens the FeatureManager (refer to Figure 2.23).
FIGURE 2.23
The FeatureManager for a simple model
Looking at the Display pane
You can open the Display pane flyout from the FeatureManager by using the double arrows at the top-right corner of the FeatureManager. The Display pane helps you to visualize where appearances, display styles, or hidden bodies have been applied in a part document and additional functions in an assembly document. The display pane is helpful when you're looking for colors that are applied to the model at some level other than the part level.
Cross-Reference
Appearances are covered in more detail in Chapter 5.
Looking at the Rollback bar
The Rollback bar at the bottom of the FeatureManager enables you to see the part in various states of history. Features can be added while the rollback bar is at any location. The model can also be saved while rolled back.
Looking at the FeatureManager filter
One of the most useful elements of the FeatureManager is the FeatureManager filter. The filter resides at the top of the FeatureManager. If you type text in the filter, SolidWorks searches feature names, descriptions, comments, tags, and dimension names for text matching the string, and only shows matching features in the window. This also works in assemblies, where you can filter for part names or document properties. The filter is very useful for quickly finding parts, features, mates, or anything else that shows up in the part or assembly FeatureManager.
Using the PropertyManager
The PropertyManager is where you go to set most of the feature parameters and where you edit the properties of selected items such as sketch elements. You can manually switch to the PropertyManager using the tabs on the top of the Display panel or allow it to pop up automatically when your input is needed. The leftmost tab in the row of icons is the FeatureManager tab, the second from the left is the PropertyManager tab, the second from the right is the ConfigurationManager tab, and the rightmost tab is the DimXpertManager. Other icons may also appear in this area for drawings or if you have add-ins such as PhotoWorks or SolidWorks Simulation (formerly COSMOS) turned on. The ConfigurationManager tab appears with more detail in Chapter 11
One of the benefits of putting all of the data entry into the PropertyManager is that it saves a lot of space on the screen. On the other hand, you will often need to make