SolidWorks 2011 Parts Bible - Matt Lombard [32]
My favorite option for dealing with the PropertyManager is to detach it from the FeatureManager so that you can see the two side by side instead of one or the other. To detach the PropertyManager, drag its icon from the tabs out into the graphics area and release. Once the PropertyManager is detached, you can move it to a second monitor, float it within the SolidWorks window, or dock or reattach it. To put it back in its place under the FeatureManager, just drag it back on top of the FeatureManager using one of the docking station symbols on the screen, allow it to snap into place, and release it.
Caution
The detached PropertyManager does not automatically expand to match the size of the data included in it. You will often have to widen or lengthen the size of the detached PropertyManager window to see everything in it. This is a bug that has been around since this functionality was introduced.
If you do not like the detachable PropertyManager, you can use the splitter bars either to put the FeatureManager on top and the PropertyManager beneath or use the flyout FeatureManager. When creating or editing a feature, you can access the flyout FeatureManager by double-clicking the name of the feature at the top of the PropertyManager. The flyout FeatureManager is displayed just to the right of the regular FeatureManager, in the main graphics window, and is transparent to enable you to see the model through it. The various ways of combining the FeatureManager and PropertyManager are shown in Figure 2.24.
FIGURE 2.24
The detached PropertyManager, the split FeatureManager, and the flyout FeatureManager
Introducing the DisplayManager
The terminology around the various interface devices that are used to show, edit, and place colors (appearances) on part and assembly models becomes more complex with every release. SolidWorks 2011 introduces the DisplayManager. This interface element is separate from the Display pane and the Appearances panel of the Task pane. The DisplayManager helps you understand the various display-related items that might be applied to your model. Figure 2.25 shows the DisplayManager with the Appearances active. Chapter 5 discusses the DisplayManager in more depth.
FIGURE 2.25
The DisplayManager helps you sort through everything that affects how the model looks.
Getting around the Task pane
By default, the Task pane sits to the right of the SolidWorks screen, although you can undock it entirely. If you want to keep it open, click the pushpin in the upper-right corner of the pane. The Task pane is shown in Figure 2.26.
FIGURE 2.26
The Task pane
The Task pane is the home for several panels:
• SolidWorks Resources. These are useful links for templates, tutorials, tech support, news, GlobalSpec search, Tip-of-the-Day, and other resources.
• Design Library. This includes locally stored libraries, Toolbox, and 3D Content Central. This tab also contains “SolidWorks Content,” which consists of additional library resources that can be downloaded directly from the Task Pane.
• File Explorer. This is a Windows Explorer interface that you can use to browse for files.
• SolidWorks Search. This panel allows you to perform searches that include the SolidWorks Knowledge Base and the SolidWorks Community Forum, as well as filename and custom properties for SolidWorks files on your computer or network.
• View Palette. This palette enables you to visually select views and drag them onto a drawing sheet.
• Appearances, Scenes, and Decals. This panel enables you to select appearances and scenes for your SolidWorks documents. SolidWorks has also moved decals into the SolidWorks Standard level of the software instead of being part of the rendering software.
• Custom Properties. The custom property tab in Task pane enables you to create a custom