[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":102,"prefetchLinks":103},["ShallowReactive",2],{"article_create-product-variations-with-model-variability-in-solidworks-design-r2026x-fd04_solidworks":3,"_apollo:default":100,"_apollo:identified":101},{"posts":4},{"nodes":5,"__typename":99},[6],{"id":7,"slug":8,"title":9,"uri":10,"excerpt":11,"locale":12,"featuredImage":15,"tableOfContents":24,"content":25,"date":26,"authorJobTitle":27,"author":28,"masterings":40,"globalTags":44,"products":58,"disciplines":70,"seo":89,"__typename":98},"cG9zdDo3MTYxNw==","create-product-variations-with-model-variability-in-solidworks-design-r2026x-fd04","Create Product Variations with Model Variability in SOLIDWORKS Design R2026x FD04","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fcreate-product-variations-with-model-variability-in-solidworks-design-r2026x-fd04","\u003Cp>With the new functionality in SOLIDWORKS Design, you can control product dimensions, variants, and optional features from a centralized Variability Table, making it easier to create new product variations from a reusable master design.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"locale":13,"__typename":14},"en_US","Locale",{"node":16,"__typename":23},{"large":17,"__typename":18,"medium_large":19,"thumbnail":20,"srcSet":21,"sizes":22},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage2-11-1024x577.png","MediaItem","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage2-11-768x433.png","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage2-11-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage2-11-1024x577.png 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage2-11-300x169.png 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage2-11-768x433.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage2-11.png 1428w","(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px","NodeWithFeaturedImageToMediaItemConnectionEdge",[],"\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One design. Dozens of ways to build it. Change a size, swap a component, or add an optional feature, and the number of possible combinations grows quickly. You could create SOLIDWORKS configurations to represent each combination. However, as more choices are added, managing those configurations across the assembly and its components becomes increasingly difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The latest functional delivery for SOLIDWORKS Design R2026x FD04 introduces a brand-new Model Variability functionality as another way to define and create these product configurations. Define inputs at the top-level assembly and connect them to dimensions, features, states, SOLIDWORKS configurations, and mates throughout the model. When an input changes, the assembly rebuilds to reflect the new product variation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let’s walk through a simple shelving example to see how it works.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Define Your Product’s Variability\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suppose you’re designing a shelving unit that can be offered in different materials, dimensions, shelf counts, and optional features. To get started, right-click the top-level assembly in the FeatureManager design tree and select \u003Cstrong>Model Variability\u003C\u002Fstrong>. This adds the Variability folder and Variability Table to the assembly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1166\" height=\"717\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage1-11.png.webp\" alt=\"Model Variability\" class=\"wp-image-71612\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage1-11.png.webp 1166w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage1-11-300x184.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage1-11-1024x630.png.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage1-11-768x472.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1166px) 100vw, 1166px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Model Variability\u003C\u002Fstrong> allows you to define three types of inputs:\t\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Variants:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Select from a set of predefined values.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, you could create a \u003Cstrong>Shelf Type\u003C\u002Fstrong> variant with Wood and Metal values. Each value can be linked to an existing SOLIDWORKS configuration of the shelf component. You could also create a \u003Cstrong>Number of Shelves\u003C\u002Fstrong> variant with values of 3, 4, and 5. Each value can control the height of the frame and the number of instances in the shelf pattern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Numerical Parameters: \u003C\u002Fstrong>Enter a value within a defined range and unit.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, numerical parameters for length and width can update the shelf panels and frame to match the required dimensions\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Options:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Turn optional components or features on or off.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An option group could control whether the shelving unit includes a backboard or base pads. It could also control a feature within a component, such as chamfered corners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Together, these inputs define the choices available for the shelving unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Control the Entire Assembly from the Top Level\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After defining the inputs, use the Variability Table to connect them to parameters in the assembly, subassemblies, and parts. These inputs can cascade down to the parameters in the underlying parts and subassemblies, allowing product-level changes to propagate throughout the assembly structure. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1428\" height=\"805\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage2-11.png.webp\" alt=\"top-level image\" class=\"wp-image-71613\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage2-11.png.webp 1428w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage2-11-300x169.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage2-11-1024x577.png.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage2-11-768x433.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1428px) 100vw, 1428px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u003Cstrong>Number of Shelves\u003C\u002Fstrong> variant can control the shelf pattern and frame height. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1082\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage3-11.png.webp\" alt=\"variability table\" class=\"wp-image-71614\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage3-11.png.webp 1082w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage3-11-300x87.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage3-11-1024x298.png.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage3-11-768x224.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1082px) 100vw, 1082px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Shelf Length\u003C\u002Fstrong> and \u003Cstrong>Shelf Width\u003C\u002Fstrong> can update dimensions in the frame, backboard and shelf panels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1082\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage4-10.png\" alt=\"shelf length\" class=\"wp-image-71615\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage4-10.png 1082w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage4-10-300x87.png 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage4-10-1024x298.png 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage4-10-768x224.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1082px) 100vw, 1082px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, after connecting the design, you need a shelving unit with five 50 in. × 24 in. steel shelves and pads at the base. Select those values under Model Variability in the FeatureManager design tree. The connected components, dimensions, patterns, and features are updated to create the new product variation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"879\" height=\"755\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage5-10.png.webp\" alt=\"connected design\" class=\"wp-image-71616\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage5-10.png.webp 879w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage5-10-300x258.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage5-10-768x660.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 879px) 100vw, 879px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>How Model Variability Differs from Configurations and Design Tables\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, it helps to separate two related terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A \u003Cstrong>SOLIDWORKS configuration\u003C\u002Fstrong> is a predefined state of a part or assembly stored within a SOLIDWORKS file. A \u003Cstrong>product variation\u003C\u002Fstrong> is the design produced by applying a set of inputs to the model. \u003Cstrong>Model Variability\u003C\u002Fstrong> updates the model based on those inputs, but it does not automatically create a SOLIDWORKS configuration for each result.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SOLIDWORKS Configurations and Design Tables are well-suited for managing a defined set of part or assembly states. For example, a shelf component could have separate Wood, Metal, and Glass configurations. A Design Table can make those configurations easier to create and maintain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, managing every possible combination at the top-level assembly is different. Suppose the shelving unit offers three materials, three shelf counts, and a chamfer option that can be on or off. Representing every combination requires 3 × 3 × 2, or 18, top-level configurations. Add Glass as a fourth material, and the total increases to 24.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With Model Variability, these choices remain separate inputs. You can add Glass to the Shelf Material variant and link it to the appropriate shelf configuration without creating six additional top-level configurations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Model Variability does not replace SOLIDWORKS configurations. The two can work together: configurations define the available versions of a component, while Model Variability selects and coordinates those versions as part of the complete product.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Reuse a Master Assembly Template to Create New Product Variations\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the inputs are connected, the assembly becomes a reusable master assembly template. Change the values to create the variation you need.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If that variation requires its own files, part number, drawings, or revision history, save it using an existing workflow such as Pack and Go or Save As New.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keeping the variability definition in the master assembly avoids maintaining every possible product combination as a separate configuration. It also gives the next designer a clear set of inputs to use, rather than a long list of configurations from previous designs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To summarize, Model Variability in SOLIDWORKS Design R2026x FD04 introduces a new way to define product variations at the top level and connect them to model parameters throughout an assembly. To see a demo of this new functionality, watch the video on this\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002F3dswym.3dexperience.3ds.com\u002Fwiki\u002Fsolidworks-news-info\u002Fsolidworks-design-cad-and-data-management-r2026x-fd04_-9e5AhT-ScSP_oeHbXE3BA\"> page\u003C\u002Fa> and learn more about SOLIDWORKS R2026x updates. The SOLIDWORKS Design R2026x FD04 enhancements are available now!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To learn more about the fundamentals of Model Variability, check out \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhelp.solidworks.com\u002F2027\u002Fenglish\u002FSolidWorks\u002Fsldworks\u002Fc_fundamentals_variability.htm\">this help page\u003C\u002Fa>. To learn more about SOLIDWORKS modeling best practices on configurations, check out this blog on the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblogs.solidworks.com\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fhow-to-get-the-most-out-of-the-configuration-manager\u002F\">Configuration Manager\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n","2026-09-23T07:00:00","",{"node":29,"__typename":39},{"nicename":30,"description":31,"slug":30,"name":32,"firstName":33,"lastName":34,"avatar":35,"__typename":38},"lwang","Lillian Wang joined Dassault Systèmes in July of 2024 as a Product Manager for 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS. She has a Master of Science (MS) in Mechanical Engineering from Rutgers University and 7+ years of various industry experience. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, skiing, and crafting.","Lillian Wang","Lillian","Wang",{"url":36,"__typename":37},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Flillianwang.jpg-96x96.webp","Avatar","User","NodeWithAuthorToUserConnectionEdge",{"nodes":41,"edges":42,"__typename":43},[],[],"PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnection",{"nodes":45,"__typename":57},[46,52],{"id":47,"name":48,"slug":49,"uri":50,"__typename":51},"dGVybTo5NjAx","3D CAD","3d-cad","\u002Ftags\u002F3d-cad\u002F","Taxonomy_tag",{"id":53,"name":54,"slug":55,"uri":56,"__typename":51},"dGVybTo5NjAz","SOLIDWORKS","solidworks","\u002Ftags\u002Fsolidworks\u002F","PostToTaxonomy_tagConnection",{"edges":59,"nodes":67,"__typename":69},[60],{"isPrimary":61,"node":62,"__typename":66},true,{"id":63,"name":54,"slug":55,"uri":64,"__typename":65},"dGVybTo1Ng==","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002F","Taxonomy_product","PostToTaxonomy_productConnectionEdge",[68],{"id":63,"name":54,"slug":55,"uri":64,"__typename":65},"PostToTaxonomy_productConnection",{"nodes":71,"edges":84,"__typename":88},[72],{"id":73,"name":48,"slug":49,"uri":74,"parentId":75,"disciplines":76,"__typename":83},"dGVybTo2MA==","\u002Fdisciplines\u002F3d-cad\u002F","dGVybTo1OA==",{"nodes":77,"__typename":82},[78],{"title":48,"uri":79,"parentId":80,"__typename":81},"\u002Fdisciplines\u002Fdesign-engineering\u002F3d-cad","cG9zdDozNzcz","Discipline","Taxonomy_disciplineToDisciplineConnection","Taxonomy_discipline",[85],{"isPrimary":61,"node":86,"__typename":87},{"parentId":75,"id":73,"name":48,"slug":49,"uri":74,"__typename":83},"PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnectionEdge","PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnection",{"canonical":90,"title":91,"metaDesc":92,"opengraphAuthor":27,"opengraphDescription":92,"opengraphTitle":9,"opengraphUrl":90,"opengraphSiteName":93,"opengraphPublishedTime":94,"opengraphModifiedTime":27,"twitterTitle":27,"twitterDescription":27,"readingTime":95,"metaRobotsNoindex":96,"__typename":97},"https:\u002F\u002Fblogs.solidworks.com\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fcreate-product-variations-with-model-variability-in-solidworks-design-r2026x-fd04\u002F","Create Product Variations with Model Variability in SOLIDWORKS Design R2026x FD04 - Blog Solidworks","With the new functionality in SOLIDWORKS Design, you can control product dimensions, variants, and optional features from a centralized Variability Table, making it easier to create new product variations from a reusable master design.","Blog Solidworks","2026-09-23T11:00:00+00:00",6,"index","PostTypeSEO","Post","RootQueryToPostConnection",{},{},1790273045353,[104,110,112,114,116,119],{"rel":105,"href":106,"as":107,"type":108,"crossorigin":109},"preload","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fstatics\u002Ffonts\u002F3ds\u002F3ds-Light-v2.woff2","font","font\u002Fwoff2","anonymous",{"rel":105,"href":111,"as":107,"type":108,"crossorigin":109},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fstatics\u002Ffonts\u002F3ds\u002F3ds-Regular-v2.woff2",{"rel":105,"href":113,"as":107,"type":108,"crossorigin":109},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fstatics\u002Ffonts\u002F3ds\u002F3ds-SemiBold-v2.woff2",{"rel":105,"href":115,"as":107,"type":108,"crossorigin":109},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fstatics\u002Ffonts\u002F3ds\u002F3ds-Bold-v2.woff2",{"rel":105,"href":117,"as":118},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fstatics\u002F3ds-navigation\u002Fds-header.min.js","script",{"rel":105,"href":120,"as":118},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fstatics\u002F3ds-navigation\u002Fds-footer.min.js"]