[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":113},["ShallowReactive",2],{"F39ARSbl9DTwHNt9JmaM24ay1S3pb7I3_I50SoiLKKs":3,"article_solidworks-support-monthly-news-dec-2025_solidworks":10,"_apollo:default":111,"_apollo:identified":112},{"mailchimpAudience":4},{"actionUrl":5,"slug":6,"locale":7,"default":8,"__typename":9},"","solidworks-support-monthly-news-dec-2025","en","https:\u002F\u002F3ds.us3.list-manage.com\u002Fsubscribe\u002Fpost?u=ed4601044e1936748c0d2aa6b&id=e5080ff9fe&f_id=002d4de2f0","MailchimpAudience",{"posts":11},{"nodes":12,"__typename":110},[13],{"id":14,"slug":6,"title":15,"uri":16,"excerpt":17,"locale":18,"featuredImage":21,"tableOfContents":29,"content":30,"date":31,"authorJobTitle":5,"author":32,"masterings":44,"globalTags":65,"products":84,"disciplines":95,"seo":99,"__typename":109},"cG9zdDo2NjY1MA==","SOLIDWORKS® Support Monthly News – Dec 2025","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fsolidworks-support-monthly-news-dec-2025","\u003Cp>Hello to all, Welcome to the new edition of the SOLIDWORKS® Support…\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"locale":19,"__typename":20},"en_US","Locale",{"node":22,"__typename":28},{"large":23,"__typename":24,"medium_large":23,"thumbnail":25,"srcSet":26,"sizes":27},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002Fsolidworks.jpg.webp","MediaItem","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002Fsolidworks-150x150.jpg.webp","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002Fsolidworks.jpg.webp 588w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002Fsolidworks-300x168.jpg.webp 300w","(max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px","NodeWithFeaturedImageToMediaItemConnectionEdge",[],"\u003Cp>Hello to all,\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Welcome to the new edition of the SOLIDWORKS® Support Monthly News! This monthly news blog is co-authored by members of the SOLIDWORKS® Technical Support teams worldwide. Here is the list of topics covered in this month’s Blog:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>\nUnderstanding Color Bit Depth in TIFF, Photoshop (PSD), and JPEG Export Options\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\nChanging the orientation of a part while importing or inserting it in SOLIDWORKS® Design\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\nSprocket chain animation in SOLIDWORKS® Composer \n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\u003Ch1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Understanding Color Bit Depth in TIFF, Photoshop (PSD), and JPEG Export Options\u003C\u002Fh1>\u003Cp>– \u003Cem> Nikhil BHIRUD \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>When you export images from SOLIDWORKS — whether for technical documentation, presentations, or marketing renders — the Image Type you select directly determines the color bit depth of the exported file.\nThis bit depth controls how much color information each pixel carries, affecting both image quality and file size.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Most users notice only the file format (TIFF, PSD, JPEG), but what truly defines the image’s visual fidelity is the combination of Image Type and Background \u002F Transparency options under the Save As Options dialog.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Bit Depth?\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>In digital imaging, bit depth represents how many bits of data are used to store color information for each pixel.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>A higher bit depth allows more shades and smoother gradients.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A lower bit depth limits the number of tones or colors, but creates smaller files.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>Each image type in SOLIDWORKS corresponds to a specific bit-depth configuration behind the scenes.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"890\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Ftab1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66652\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Ftab1.png 890w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Ftab1-300x94.png 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Ftab1-768x242.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 890px) 100vw, 890px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How SOLIDWORKS Determines Bit Depth\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>When you use File → Save As → TIFF \u002F JPEG \u002F Photoshop (PSD) and click Options, the \u003Cem>Image Type\u003C\u002Fem> setting defines the color mode and bit depth of the exported image.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>You can see the resulting bit depth on the same page under Export Image Information.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>The relationship between these export settings is summarized below:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"946\" height=\"423\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Ftab2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66653\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Ftab2.png 946w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Ftab2-300x134.png 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Ftab2-768x343.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 946px) 100vw, 946px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"521\" height=\"508\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F1-208.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66654\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F1-208.png.webp 521w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F1-208-300x293.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 521px) 100vw, 521px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Ch5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: center\" data-id=\"66665\">Export Settings in SOLIDWORKS\u003C\u002Fh5>\u003Cp>Each Image Type in SOLIDWORKS defines how colors and transparency are handled during export. Let’s look into each type to understand how bit depth affects image quality and file output.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Full-Color (True Color) Images — Minimum 24-Bit Requirement\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>When saving color images from SOLIDWORKS, the software automatically uses 24 bits per pixel (True Color). Each pixel contains 8 bits for red, green, and blue  combining to produce over 16.7 million colors.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>✅ Recommended for:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Shaded model views and renders\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Presentation graphics and marketing visuals\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Exports for Photoshop or print layouts\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>Significance: 24-bit images preserve accurate gradients, reflections, and textures while preventing color banding\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"353\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F2-34-615x353-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66655\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F2-34-615x353-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F2-34-615x353-1-300x172.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Ch5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: center\" data-id=\"66665\"> 24-bit RGB full-color export maintains smooth gradients and realistic shading\u003C\u002Fh5>\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Black-and-White and Grayscale Images — The Efficient 8-Bit Option\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>For technical documentation, manuals, or simple line-based exports, SOLIDWORKS supports 8-bit grayscale and 1-bit black-and-white image types.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>8-bit grayscale stores 256 tones of brightness, giving you soft gradients and smooth shading without color.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>1-bit uses only black and white pixels — ideal for simple line drawings, where sharp contrast and minimal file size are key.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>Recommended for:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Engineering drawings or hidden-line views\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Print-ready manuals and catalogs\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>Significance:\nGrayscale (8-bit) offers smooth tonal transitions while keeping file size small.\nBlack-and-white (1-bit) is ideal for crisp, high-contrast line drawings on white backgrounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"763\" height=\"283\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F3-183.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66656\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F3-183.png.webp 763w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F3-183-300x111.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 763px) 100vw, 763px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Ch5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: center\" data-id=\"66665\">Bilevel and  Grayscale Export Examples\u003C\u002Fh5>\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Removing Backgrounds — Adding a Transparency Channel\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>When you check Remove background in the export options, SOLIDWORKS adds an 8-bit alpha channel to your 24-bit color image, creating a 32-bit file.\nThis enables true transparency, ideal for overlaying models on other graphics or presentation slides.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Recommended for:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Presentations and web graphics\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Photoshop compositing and marketing material\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>Significance:\n32-bit images maintain full color depth and allow transparent regions — no more white boxes around parts when used in other layouts.\nTransparency is supported in TIFF and Photoshop (PSD) formats, but not in JPEG.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"409\" height=\"301\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F4-156.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66657\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F4-156.png.webp 409w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F4-156-300x221.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 409px) 100vw, 409px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Ch5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: center\" data-id=\"66665\">“Remove background” adds an 8-bit transparency channel for clean overlays\u003C\u002Fh5>\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Cp>In SOLIDWORKS, every image export carries a bit-depth choice behind the scenes.\nSelecting the appropriate option—8-bit for grayscale, 24-bit for color, or 32-bit for transparency—helps you balance visual quality, performance, and downstream compatibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>By understanding how SOLIDWORKS handles color bit depth, you can ensure that your exported visuals remain accurate, professional, and ready for any medium from internal reports to high-resolution marketing renders.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhelp.solidworks.com\u002F2025\u002Fenglish\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fsldworks\u002Fhidd_tiff.htm\" data-id=\"66665\">SOLIDWORKS Help – Save as TIFF, JPEG, and Photoshop Options\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fh3>\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\u003Ch1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Changing the orientation of a part while importing or inserting it in SOLIDWORKS® Design\u003C\u002Fh1>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>– Jayendra POTDAR\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Orientation control of the part is essential for keeping neat, consistent modeling operations, whether you’re importing Neutral formats like STEP\u002FIGES or adding native SOLIDWORKS® Design parts. To make sure the part enters your design space in the proper orientation, SOLIDWORKS Design offers a number of options, including Move\u002FCopy Body, Co-ordinate systems, and assembly rotation controls.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Following are the ways explained in detail:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>For changing the orientation normally:\n\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>The simplest way is to press middle button of the mouse and drag the mouse to change the orientation of the part.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Another method is to use Spacebar and select any view in the orientation dialog, so that the orientation changes.\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"475\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Fpicture1-10.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66658\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Fpicture1-10.png.webp 475w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Fpicture1-10-300x246.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 475px) 100vw, 475px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>For changing the orientation with the help of planes:\n\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Open the part in SOLIDWORKS.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Press Spacebar, and click Update Standard Views and select the desired view in the orientation dialog. (Changing Front view as Right View)\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"404\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F2-204.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66659\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F2-204.png.webp 480w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F2-204-300x253.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:post-content -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>For changing the orientation with the help of planes for Neutral files:\n\u003C!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli> For manufacturing\u002Fmachining (Z-up):\n\u003C!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Open the part in SOLIDWORKS.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Press Spacebar, and click Up Axis Flyout dropdown option in the orientation dialog.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Select Apply Z-up views option for Z-up axis.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Select Apply Y-up views option for Y-up axis.\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\n\u003C!-- wp:image {\"id\":66660,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"891\" height=\"619\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F3-184.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66660\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F3-184.png.webp 891w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F3-184-300x208.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F3-184-768x534.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 891px) 100vw, 891px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:image -->\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list -->\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>For Y-up for imported parts with incorrect orientation (Using co-ordinate system):\n\u003C!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Open the imported part with incorrect orientation in SOLIDWORKS.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Go to Reference Geometry > Click Coordinate System.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Select a vertex as a reference point for the Position.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Select each axis according to the orientation required. Make sure that the directions are correct.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Click OK > Save the part as STEP file.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>While saving the part, select the new Coordinate System from the Output Coordinate System dropdown.The new file will now have a correct view orientation when opened. \u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\n\u003C!-- wp:image {\"id\":66661,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"999\" height=\"459\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F4-157.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66661\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F4-157.png.webp 999w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F4-157-300x138.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F4-157-768x353.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:image -->\n\n\u003C!-- wp:image {\"id\":66662,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"548\" height=\"105\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F5-126.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66662\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F5-126.png.webp 548w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F5-126-300x57.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 548px) 100vw, 548px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:image -->\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list -->\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list -->\n\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Changing the orientation of part when inserting it in the assembly:\n\u003C!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Open blank assembly > Click Insert Components. After selecting the part, you can select the value of rotation of each axis individually from the Flyout Toolbar. This allows you to pre-rotate the part before you place it in the graphics area.\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->\n\n\u003C!-- wp:image {\"id\":66663,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"941\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F6-86.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66663\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F6-86.png.webp 941w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F6-86-300x138.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F6-86-768x353.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 941px) 100vw, 941px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:image -->\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Another method is to open blank assembly > Click Insert Components. After selecting the part, you can use Spacebar for orientation dialog for selecting views (Front, Top, Right).\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>After placing the part, you can still Move\u002FRotate the part:\n\u003C!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Right-click the component > Click Move with Triad.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Move\u002FRotate as desired.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>You can also select the degree values for precise orientation (e.g., 90°, 180°) by right-clicking the Triad. Make sure the part is not fixed while performing Step 4.2\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->\n\n\u003C!-- wp:image {\"id\":66664,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"506\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F7-67.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66664\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F7-67.png.webp 506w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F7-67-300x240.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:image -->\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list -->\n\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list -->\n\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Use Move\u002FCopy Body after the part is inserted:\n\u003C!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Open part in SOLIDWORKS.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Go to Insert > Features > Move\u002FCopy > Scroll down to the bottom and click Translate\u002FRotate.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>You can insert the values for moving and rotating the X, Y and Z axes as desired. You can find more information for the topic in the following SOLIDWORKS Design Help \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhelp.solidworks.com\u002F2025\u002Fenglish\u002FSolidWorks\u002Fsldworks\u002FHIDD_DVE_FEAT_MOVE_SURF.htm\" data-id=\"66665\">link\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list -->\n\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list -->\u003C!-- wp:paragraph -->\u003Cp>Conclusion:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->\u003C!-- wp:paragraph -->\u003Cp>It is always recommended to select the orientation and placement of the part before inserting it into the graphics area. This will help resolve most of the orientation issues.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->\u003C!-- wp:paragraph -->\u003Cp>Happy Designing!\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->\u003C!-- wp:separator -->\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:separator -->\u003C!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} -->\u003Ch1>3. Sprocket chain animation in SOLIDWORKS® Composer\u003C\u002Fh1>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:heading -->\u003C!-- wp:paragraph -->\u003Cp>\u003Cem>– Prajakta LIMBASARKAR\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->\u003C!-- wp:paragraph -->\u003Cp>We all are aware about the sprocket chain mechanism in SOLIDWORKS. We can define sprocket and chain in the Belt\u002FChain Assembly feature.  However, we do not have same feature in Composer.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->\u003C!-- wp:paragraph -->\u003Cp>There are many methods to create sprocket chain animation. In this blog, we can learn methods to create a Sprocket Chain mechanism animation in SOLIDWORKS Composer by Method A: Highlighting each chain.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->\u003C!-- wp:paragraph -->\u003Cp>Method A:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->\u003C!-- wp:paragraph -->\u003Cp>In this method, we rotate the sprockets whereas, highlight each chain. Making it appear to be moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->\u003C!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Import an assembly file of chain and sprocket in Composer\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Move time bar to the 3 second> select Sprocket> Transform> Rotate> rotate the sprocket 360 degree.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Follow the step 2 for the second sprocket as well.\n\u003C!-- wp:video {\"id\":66665} -->\n                    \u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-video\">\u003Cvideo controls=\"\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Fmethod_1_rotate_1.mp4\">\u003C\u002Fvideo>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n                    \u003C!-- \u002Fwp:video -->\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Move time bar at 0 second > select an inner chain actor> Timeline> effects> Hot Spot> notice the select actor is highlighted for 0.3 second.\u003C!-- wp:video {\"id\":66665} -->\n                    \u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-video\">\u003Cvideo controls=\"\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Fmethod_1_rotate_1.mp4\">\u003C\u002Fvideo>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n                    \u003C!-- \u002Fwp:video -->\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Move time bar to 0.3 second> Select the adjacent chain> assign Hot Spot effect> notice the second chain highlight as first chain is ends.\u003C!-- wp:video {\"id\":66665} -->\n                    \u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-video\">\u003Cvideo controls=\"\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Fmethod_1_rotate_1.mp4\">\u003C\u002Fvideo>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n                    \u003C!-- \u002Fwp:video -->\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C!-- wp:list-item -->\u003Cli>Follow the same procedure for all the chains.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list-item -->\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:list -->\u003C!-- wp:paragraph -->\u003Cp>Below are the final results.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:paragraph -->\u003C!-- wp:video {\"id\":66665} -->\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-video\">\u003Cvideo controls=\"\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Fmethod_1_rotate_1.mp4\">\u003C\u002Fvideo>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:video -->\u003C!-- wp:separator -->\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\u003C!-- \u002Fwp:separator -->","2025-12-25T02:00:19",{"node":33,"__typename":43},{"nicename":34,"description":35,"slug":34,"name":36,"firstName":37,"lastName":38,"avatar":39,"__typename":42},"akhilc","Mechanical Engineer with overall 5 years of experience in mechanical domain - Academics and Industry. 4+ years in Technical Support of Computer Aided Design and Supporting SOLIDWORKS suite of products. Certifications: 3DEXPERIENCE® Collaborative Industry Innovator, 3DEXPERIENCE® Industry Innovator, 3DEXPERIENCE® 3D Creator","Akhil C","Akhil","C",{"url":40,"__typename":41},"https:\u002F\u002Fsecure.gravatar.com\u002Favatar\u002F5ba2a8aa81ecf67396d87354991e96f3d927e19db95dc1481e375b7710d05b0b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","Avatar","User","NodeWithAuthorToUserConnectionEdge",{"nodes":45,"edges":57,"__typename":64},[46,52],{"id":47,"name":48,"slug":49,"uri":50,"__typename":51},"dGVybTo5Mg==","Resources","resources","\u002Fmastering\u002Fresources\u002F","Taxonomy_mastering",{"id":53,"name":54,"slug":55,"uri":56,"__typename":51},"dGVybToxOTk2","Tutorials","tutorials","\u002Fmastering\u002Ftutorials\u002F",[58,62],{"isPrimary":59,"node":60,"__typename":61},false,{"id":47,"name":48,"slug":49,"uri":50,"__typename":51},"PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnectionEdge",{"isPrimary":59,"node":63,"__typename":61},{"id":53,"name":54,"slug":55,"uri":56,"__typename":51},"PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnection",{"nodes":66,"__typename":83},[67,73,78],{"id":68,"name":69,"slug":70,"uri":71,"__typename":72},"dGVybTo5NjI4","3D Modeling","3d-modeling","\u002Ftags\u002F3d-modeling\u002F","Taxonomy_tag",{"id":74,"name":75,"slug":76,"uri":77,"__typename":72},"dGVybTo5NjAz","SOLIDWORKS","solidworks","\u002Ftags\u002Fsolidworks\u002F",{"id":79,"name":80,"slug":81,"uri":82,"__typename":72},"dGVybTo5NTk2","Tips and Tricks","tips-tricks","\u002Ftags\u002Ftips-tricks\u002F","PostToTaxonomy_tagConnection",{"edges":85,"nodes":92,"__typename":94},[86],{"isPrimary":59,"node":87,"__typename":91},{"id":88,"name":75,"slug":76,"uri":89,"__typename":90},"dGVybTo1Ng==","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002F","Taxonomy_product","PostToTaxonomy_productConnectionEdge",[93],{"id":88,"name":75,"slug":76,"uri":89,"__typename":90},"PostToTaxonomy_productConnection",{"nodes":96,"edges":97,"__typename":98},[],[],"PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnection",{"canonical":5,"title":100,"metaDesc":5,"opengraphAuthor":5,"opengraphDescription":101,"opengraphTitle":15,"opengraphUrl":102,"opengraphSiteName":103,"opengraphPublishedTime":104,"opengraphModifiedTime":105,"twitterTitle":5,"twitterDescription":5,"readingTime":106,"metaRobotsNoindex":107,"__typename":108},"SOLIDWORKS® Support Monthly News – Dec 2025 - Blog Solidworks","Hello to all, Welcome to the new edition of the SOLIDWORKS® Support…","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fsolidworks-support-monthly-news-dec-2025\u002F","Blog Solidworks","2025-12-25T07:00:19+00:00","2026-01-08T10:53:11+00:00",7,"noindex","PostTypeSEO","Post","RootQueryToPostConnection",{},{},1775714669778]