[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":113,"prefetchLinks":114},["ShallowReactive",2],{"article_solidworks-assembly-delighters_solidworks":3,"_apollo:default":111,"_apollo:identified":112},{"posts":4},{"nodes":5,"__typename":110},[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":54,"products":68,"disciplines":81,"seo":100,"__typename":109},"cG9zdDo3MTQxOA==","solidworks-assembly-delighters","SOLIDWORKS Assembly Delighters","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fsolidworks-assembly-delighters","\u003Cp>Learn how to work with assemblies in SOLIDWORKS in this tech tutorial.\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\u002Fimage13-1024x614.png","MediaItem","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage13-768x461.png","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage13-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage13-1024x614.png 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage13-300x180.png 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage13-768x461.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage13.png 1087w","(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px","NodeWithFeaturedImageToMediaItemConnectionEdge",[],"\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Working in SOLIDWORKS assemblies can involve many very repetitive, mundane tasks. While some assembly features, such as Large Design Review and Performance Evaluation, often get the spotlight, a host of subtle quality-of-life tools—sometimes referred to as “delighters”—can eliminate repetitive clicks and keep your focus on the model.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I recently found myself performing a significant amount of assembly work in SOLIDWORKS. I’ve always wanted to design a CNC router, and when the opportunity came up to produce a new fileset for an upcoming training course at SolidProfessor, I decided to use it as an excuse to create a proof-of-concept model complete with stepper motors, hardware and bearings. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through the process, I discovered (and rediscovered) several key enhancements added over the years, and alternative assembly workflows that I wish I had known from the jump, and would like to present them to you over various examples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Feature Tree Navigation\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As assemblies grow in complexity, the FeatureManager design tree quickly becomes an overwhelming, nested hierarchy, making it difficult to locate a specific component without endless scrolling. Practicing tree navigation shortcuts and filtering tools prevents you from losing your place in deep assemblies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Breadcrumbs\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Breadcrumbs \u003C\u002Fstrong>significantly aid SOLIDWORKS Feature Tree navigation by displaying a contextual hierarchy directly at your cursor when you click any geometric entity in the graphics area.\u003Cstrong> \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"822\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage1.gif.webp\" alt=\"Using Breadcrumbs to navigate the Feature Tree.\" class=\"wp-image-71405\"\u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>Figure 1. Using Breadcrumbs to navigate the Feature Tree.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pressing the default hotkey \u003Cstrong>D\u003C\u002Fstrong> brings the breadcrumb trail straight to your mouse pointer. This allows you to edit mates, open parent sub-assemblies, or inspect sketches without moving your cursor back to the tree.  But perhaps the biggest benefit is that you are only shown information related to the components that are selected, reducing the chances of being distracted by extraneous information or erroneously choosing an item from the wrong assembly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Collapse All Items \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Expanded sub-assembly branches quickly clutter the FeatureManager. Right-clicking the top of the feature tree provides access to the command Collapse Items, which can also be activated by the \u003Cstrong>Shift + C \u003C\u002Fstrong>keyboard shortcut. This collapses all expanded nodes across the entire tree back to the top level in a single keystroke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"502\" height=\"850\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage2.gif.webp\" alt=\"Collapse Items (Keyboard shortcut Shift + C).\" class=\"wp-image-71406\"\u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>Figure 2. Collapse Items (Keyboard shortcut Shift + C).\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Feature Tree Filter\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The filter at the top of the tree isolates components by part name, custom property or description. You can also configure it to hide non-matching items in the viewport, letting you isolate results graphically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"502\" height=\"850\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage3.gif.webp\" alt=\"Filtering the Feature Tree.\" class=\"wp-image-71407\"\u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>Figure 3. Filtering the Feature Tree.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Display Pane\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The display pane is an expandable menu on the side of the feature tree that allows quickly hiding and showing various parts, planes or sketches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Expanding the chevron on the right edge of the FeatureManager exposes a column-based grid for rapid visualization control. You can toggle component visibility, change display modes (wireframe\u002Fshaded), assign appearances and apply transparency. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage4.gif.webp\" alt=\"Using the Display Pane.\" class=\"wp-image-71408\"\u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>Figure 4. Using the Display Pane.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note: I struggled with whether to place this under the “Feature Tree” section or Viewport Navigation in general, as it’s very useful for both! It’s a tool I use daily and many users seem to be unfamiliar with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mates\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mating is central to assembly work in SOLIDWORKS, and anything you can do to improve model robustness or save time will go appreciated by both you and your colleagues who need to interact with your assemblies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Width Mates & the “Free” Constraint\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Width mate eliminates the need to create mid-planes or calculate offset dimensions to center a component between two faces. By selecting two “Width” reference faces and two “Tab” reference faces, SOLIDWORKS dynamically constrains the geometry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond simple centering, the \u003Cstrong>Free\u003C\u002Fstrong> constraint option is particularly powerful for dynamic mechanisms. It restricts a component within the boundary limits of two opposing faces while allowing it to slide freely between them along the unconstrained axis- shown in this case for restricting motion along a dovetail slide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1230\" height=\"904\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage5.gif.webp\" alt=\"Width Mates with Free Limit.\" class=\"wp-image-71409\"\u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>Figure 5, Width Mates with Free Limit.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note: the Width mate, despite being an advanced mate, can also be added using QuickMates- simply holding down the CTRL key on the keyboard and selecting 4 faces. SOLIDWORKS will do its best to automatically sort out the pairs of width selections into the correct order, and it is surprisingly reliable. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Pattern-Driven Component Pattern\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manually patterning fasteners or brackets by typing in instance counts and spacing dimensions creates duplicate work that breaks when the underlying part changes. The \u003Cstrong>Pattern-Driven Component Pattern\u003C\u002Fstrong> (also known as a Derived Pattern) references existing feature patterns, such as Linear Patterns, directly from your parts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1192\" height=\"652\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage6-8.png.webp\" alt=\"Part-level Linear Pattern (above) and Assembly-level Derived Pattern (below).\" class=\"wp-image-71410\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage6-8.png.webp 1192w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage6-8-300x164.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage6-8-1024x560.png.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage6-8-768x420.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1192px) 100vw, 1192px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>Figure 6. Part-level Linear Pattern (above) and Assembly-level Derived Pattern (below).\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the pitch, spacing or instance count of the source feature changes in the part model, the assembly hardware pattern updates automatically. This preserves design intent and prevents downstream Bill of Materials errors caused by out-of-sync fastener counts. It’s an incredibly powerful and under-utilized feature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Make First Selection Transparent\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When mating components inside enclosed assemblies or tight housings, the first part you select often blocks your line of sight to the mating geometry behind it. Instead of manually hiding components, sectioning the model or toggling display states, SOLIDWORKS includes the \u003Cstrong>“Make first selection transparent”\u003C\u002Fstrong> option directly within the Mate PropertyManager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"871\" height=\"637\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage7-7.png.webp\" alt=\"Mate Settings - Make First Selection Transparent.\" class=\"wp-image-71411\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage7-7.png.webp 871w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage7-7-300x219.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage7-7-768x562.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 871px) 100vw, 871px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>Figure 7. Mate Settings – Make First Selection Transparent.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When this option is enabled, selecting the first entity automatically turns that entire component semi-transparent in the viewport. This immediately exposes the internal faces and reference geometry of the adjacent part, allowing you to make your second mate selection directly through the first component. Once both selections are made, the component automatically returns to its original display.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I can’t emphasize enough how much I found myself enjoying this option as I worked through my assembly work, and it had me for the first time in years using the Mate feature “the old-fashioned way” rather than just holding CTRL, pre-selecting faces, and utilizing QuickMates for the majority of my mating work. No longer do we have to drag components far away so that we have enough space between them to select otherwise occluded pairs of faces!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Viewport Navigation & Ergonomics\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Repetitive cursor travel and constant viewport manipulation are some of the primary sources of CAD fatigue during long modeling sessions. Optimizing how you interact with your 3D viewport preserves your visual context and can reduce hundreds or thousands of unnecessary clicks and mouse movements per day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Open Part in Position\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Opening a component from an assembly normally loads the part at its default origin orientation, which requires you to rotate the model to inspect the specific face you were just examining in the assembly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1207\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage8-1.png.webp\" alt=\"Open Part in Position.\" class=\"wp-image-71412\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage8-1.png.webp 1207w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage8-1-300x144.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage8-1-1024x492.png.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage8-1-768x369.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1207px) 100vw, 1207px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>Figure 8. Open Part in Position.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using \u003Cstrong>Open Part in Position\u003C\u002Fstrong> (available on the component context menu) preserves the exact camera angle, zoom level and display orientation from your active assembly viewport. When the part opens in its own window, the specific face or feature of interest remains directly in front of you, allowing you to keep your bearings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Saved (Named) Views\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When working in complex assemblies, finding the exact camera angle to check a tight clearance can take significant rotation and zooming. Pressing the \u003Cstrong>Spacebar\u003C\u002Fstrong> opens the View Orientation menu, allowing you to save your current camera angle as a \u003Cstrong>New Named View\u003C\u002Fstrong>. Instead of repeatedly repositioning the model, you can instantly snap back to dedicated angles and zoom levels. This is also very useful for taking repeatable screenshots of your model.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"532\" height=\"601\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage9-1.png.webp\" alt=\"Creating Saved (Named) Views.\" class=\"wp-image-71413\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage9-1.png.webp 532w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage9-1-266x300.png.webp 266w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>Figure 9. Creating Saved (Named) Views.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>3D Mouse (SpaceMouse) Navigation\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3D mice for SOLIDWORKS seem to be a polarizing option, where some users swear by them and cannot live without them, and others don’t get the hype. I personally think this discrepancy comes down to two things: your use case, and willingness to get over the initial learning curve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For sketching, modeling simple parts and drafting drawings I think the 3D mouse, while useful, is largely unnecessary. For assembly work, design reviews and model preparation for other software or add-ins, I find the 3D mouse indispensable. After a couple days of acclimating to it, it’s really hard to go back to mouse-based rotation, panning and zooming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage10-1.png.webp\" alt=\"3D Mouse Navigation.\" class=\"wp-image-71414\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage10-1.png.webp 1200w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage10-1-300x144.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage10-1-1024x492.png.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage10-1-768x369.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>Figure 10. 3D Mouse Navigation.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ergonomics of using a 3D mouse in one hand and your traditional mouse in the other are also hard to overstate. The higher-end 3D mice have mappable shortcut keys that mean for common assembly tasks, I hardly ever have to reach the keyboard, allowing me to get into a flow state for mating, inserting or suppressing components, etc. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I’m so dependent on these now that I have a SpaceMouse Enterprise for my main setup, and a SpaceMouse Wireless for doing on-the-go work!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not having to hold down a button for rotation also reduces tremendous strain on your primary hand, and enhances the precision of my selections when I can focus on \u003Cem>just\u003C\u002Fem> selecting things with the traditional mouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Wrist Rests \u002F Supports\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even with all the shortcuts we’ve discussed so far, if you’re doing assembly or other CAD work day in and day out, making many thousands of clicks per day, you risk repetitive strain injury (RSI). \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For SOLIDWORKS use, I use a gliding wrist support (such as the DeltaHub Carpio 2.0), which greatly reduces the perceived stress on my wrist when clicking and scrolling and is easy to take on the go. I’ve recommended these to several friends and colleagues. Although it takes a day or two to get used to the gliding wrist support, the payoff is enormous once you’ve adjusted to it. It’s a world of ergonomic improvement and doesn’t slow your workflow or negatively affect mouse precision. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"808\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage11.png.webp\" alt=\"Gliding Wrist Rest for Mouse Support.\" class=\"wp-image-71415\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage11.png.webp 808w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage11-300x149.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage11-768x381.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 808px) 100vw, 808px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>Figure 11. Gliding Wrist Rest for Mouse Support.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If it’s not your thing, you could still keep a more conventional wrist-brace on hand for those especially click-heavy days. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>Fasteners & Hardware\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fasteners typically represent the highest component count in any mechanical assembly, making manual insertion and sizing a major source of modeling friction. Efficiencies gained with fasteners and hardware can have a compounding effect across your project.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>SOLIDWORKS Toolbox\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For standard fastener libraries, \u003Cstrong>SOLIDWORKS Toolbox\u003C\u002Fstrong> automates the insertion and sizing of screws, nuts, washers and retaining rings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dragging a Toolbox fastener directly onto a Hole Wizard hole triggers automatic sizing, matching the fastener thread, length and clearance to the hole definition. In addition, features like \u003Cstrong>Auto-size to mated geometry\u003C\u002Fstrong> automatically adjust screw engagement depths based on the thickness of the stacked assembly components.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1918\" height=\"958\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage12.png.webp\" alt=\"SOLIDWORKS Toolbox Add-in.\" class=\"wp-image-71416\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage12.png.webp 1918w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage12-300x150.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage12-1024x511.png.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage12-768x384.png.webp 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage12-1536x767.png.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1918px) 100vw, 1918px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>Figure 12. SOLIDWORKS Toolbox Add-in.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cstrong>McMaster-Carr Add-In\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the Toolbox add-in does a good job handling standard ANSI\u002FISO fasteners, purchasing off-the-shelf hardware, motors and other components benefits from vendor-accurate geometry. The \u003Cstrong>McMaster-Carr Add-In\u003C\u002Fstrong> embeds its extensive parts catalog directly inside the SOLIDWORKS task pane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can browse product specifications, locate the exact catalog part number and insert native 3D models directly into your assembly viewport easily—bypassing the manual steps of downloading, extracting and saving neutral CAD files from a web browser.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1087\" height=\"652\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage13.png.webp\" alt=\"McMaster-Carr SOLIDWORKS Add-in with Integrated BOM \u002F Shopping Cart.\" class=\"wp-image-71417\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage13.png.webp 1087w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage13-300x180.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage13-1024x614.png.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fimage13-768x461.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1087px) 100vw, 1087px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003Cem>Figure 13. McMaster-Carr SOLIDWORKS Add-in with Integrated BOM \u002F Shopping Cart.\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, some of my favorite features of the McMaster-Carr add-in are that it dynamically builds a BOM\u002FShopping Cart for you, so if you are ready to produce your project or prototype, you can easily place an order. And if you need to swap a component, like realizing that the stepper motor I selected was a little undersized, I can easily use the command “Replace with McMaster-Carr Component,” which will throw me back to the catalog page to choose the next size up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conclusion\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Incorporating these small tools and shortcuts into your assembly workflow can help reduce design friction and prevent modeling errors. I learned these tips “the hard way” after hours of assembly modeling. I hope you can learn from my struggles and benefit from them for your next project! I continue to be impressed by both the quality-of-life and performance improvements SOLIDWORKS makes with its assembly environment, which seems to be one of the last bastions of heavy feature development for the otherwise mature CAD tool. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I remain curious to see how future enhancements related to AI (like the LEO and AURA virtual assistants) will further improve our day-to-day work with the assembly environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n","2026-11-14T06:00:00","",{"node":29,"__typename":39},{"nicename":30,"description":31,"slug":30,"name":32,"firstName":33,"lastName":34,"avatar":35,"__typename":38},"ryannavarro","Ryan Navarro is a mechanical engineer and longtime SOLIDWORKS user with over a decade of experience working with clients to solve difficult problems using CAD, FEA, and CFD. In his current role as Subject Matter Expert at SolidProfessor, he specializes in creating content and training material related to complex modeling and analysis.","Ryan Navarro","Ryan","Navarro",{"url":36,"__typename":37},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002Fryan_navarro-headshot-scaled-96x96.jpg","Avatar","User","NodeWithAuthorToUserConnectionEdge",{"nodes":41,"edges":48,"__typename":53},[42],{"id":43,"name":44,"slug":45,"uri":46,"__typename":47},"dGVybToxOTk2","Tutorials","tutorials","\u002Fmastering\u002Ftutorials\u002F","Taxonomy_mastering",[49],{"isPrimary":50,"node":51,"__typename":52},true,{"id":43,"name":44,"slug":45,"uri":46,"__typename":47},"PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnectionEdge","PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnection",{"nodes":55,"__typename":67},[56,62],{"id":57,"name":58,"slug":59,"uri":60,"__typename":61},"dGVybTo5NjAx","3D CAD","3d-cad","\u002Ftags\u002F3d-cad\u002F","Taxonomy_tag",{"id":63,"name":64,"slug":65,"uri":66,"__typename":61},"dGVybTo5NTk5","Design","design","\u002Ftags\u002Fdesign\u002F","PostToTaxonomy_tagConnection",{"edges":69,"nodes":78,"__typename":80},[70],{"isPrimary":50,"node":71,"__typename":77},{"id":72,"name":73,"slug":74,"uri":75,"__typename":76},"dGVybTo1Ng==","SOLIDWORKS","solidworks","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002F","Taxonomy_product","PostToTaxonomy_productConnectionEdge",[79],{"id":72,"name":73,"slug":74,"uri":75,"__typename":76},"PostToTaxonomy_productConnection",{"nodes":82,"edges":95,"__typename":99},[83],{"id":84,"name":58,"slug":59,"uri":85,"parentId":86,"disciplines":87,"__typename":94},"dGVybTo2MA==","\u002Fdisciplines\u002F3d-cad\u002F","dGVybTo1OA==",{"nodes":88,"__typename":93},[89],{"title":58,"uri":90,"parentId":91,"__typename":92},"\u002Fdisciplines\u002Fdesign-engineering\u002F3d-cad","cG9zdDozNzcz","Discipline","Taxonomy_disciplineToDisciplineConnection","Taxonomy_discipline",[96],{"isPrimary":50,"node":97,"__typename":98},{"parentId":86,"id":84,"name":58,"slug":59,"uri":85,"__typename":94},"PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnectionEdge","PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnection",{"canonical":101,"title":102,"metaDesc":103,"opengraphAuthor":27,"opengraphDescription":103,"opengraphTitle":9,"opengraphUrl":101,"opengraphSiteName":104,"opengraphPublishedTime":105,"opengraphModifiedTime":27,"twitterTitle":27,"twitterDescription":27,"readingTime":106,"metaRobotsNoindex":107,"__typename":108},"https:\u002F\u002Fblogs.solidworks.com\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fsolidworks-assembly-delighters\u002F","SOLIDWORKS Assembly Delighters - Blog Solidworks","Learn how to work with assemblies in SOLIDWORKS in this tech tutorial.","Blog Solidworks","2026-11-14T11:00:00+00:00",12,"index","PostTypeSEO","Post","RootQueryToPostConnection",{},{},1794679386347,[115,121,123,125,127,130],{"rel":116,"href":117,"as":118,"type":119,"crossorigin":120},"preload","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fstatics\u002Ffonts\u002F3ds\u002F3ds-Light-v2.woff2","font","font\u002Fwoff2","anonymous",{"rel":116,"href":122,"as":118,"type":119,"crossorigin":120},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fstatics\u002Ffonts\u002F3ds\u002F3ds-Regular-v2.woff2",{"rel":116,"href":124,"as":118,"type":119,"crossorigin":120},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fstatics\u002Ffonts\u002F3ds\u002F3ds-SemiBold-v2.woff2",{"rel":116,"href":126,"as":118,"type":119,"crossorigin":120},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fstatics\u002Ffonts\u002F3ds\u002F3ds-Bold-v2.woff2",{"rel":116,"href":128,"as":129},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fstatics\u002F3ds-navigation\u002Fds-header.min.js","script",{"rel":116,"href":131,"as":129},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.3ds.com\u002Fstatics\u002F3ds-navigation\u002Fds-footer.min.js"]