Learn the basics of SOLIDWORKS Composer

SOLIDWORKS Composer gives users the tools for faster, easier creation of graphical content that clearly and accurately presents their product – how it works, how to assemble it, how to use it, and how to service it. The intuitive SOLIDWORKS Composer software enables even non-technical users to take their 3D CAD data and develop stunning, up-to-date 2D and 3D content quickly and more cost effectively.

Sometimes, it is just difficult to get started with learning something new! We worked with the SOLIDWORKS support team to come up with 6 of the most widely used and also the most important features for SOLIDWORKS Composer in an effort to remove the roadblocks and concerns our customers have related to get started with the product.

We are pleased to launch this new learning path for SOLIDWORKS Composer to give a general introduction into these widely used features. The learning path will include the following six lessons:

Exploded views in Composer

Exploded views can be created in SOLIDWORKS Composer and are incredibly helpful when trying to show all the components used in an assembly, or for showing how to assemble, disassemble, or repair the assembly. Exploded views can also be used for other purposes such as showing off a design by a marketing team.

Technical Illustrations in Composer

Since vector graphics scale without distorting the image, they are very useful when trying to insert images into other documents, such as a PDF or a Word doc. Vector images also allow for a clean professional look for marketing purposes.

Introduction to Digger

The Digger tool is a patented technology in SOLIDWORKS Composer that allows you to zoom into a part, create detailed views and fade away actors in order to see internal components or mechanisms.

Using the Digger tool allows users to easily create detailed views of interior components of an assembly without having to manually hide actors in the assembly. Additionally, this tool delivers a better understanding of actors and assemblies with its ability to zoom into any specific portion of a part or assembly.

Creating an Animation in Composer

Animations provide an extra visual representation of how an assembly can be put together, taken apart, and shows the order in which parts are added. Animations compliment exploded views incredibly well and help manufacturers and assemblers understand exactly how the components come together. Animations also serve as a great marketing tool, as they can show off the complexities of the design as well as how refined the final product is.

Publishing from Composer

Being able to incorporate SOLIDWORKS Composer files into a Word document or a PDF gives more flexibility to share information with manufacturers and assemblers. Even if a user doesn’t have SOLIDWORKS Composer downloaded on their machine, incorporating an SMG file into a Word document or a PDF can be a way to communicate efficiently using Composer files.

Updating Composer Files

It is common practice to update parts and assemblies, but in a SOLIDWORKS Composer file, it is difficult to make substantial design changes since it is not a native SOLIDWORKS CAD software. However, it is simple to update SOLIDWORKS Composer actors and assemblies. All you have to do is select the components, and then choose “Update”. This relieves the headache of needing to update everything externally in SOLIDWORKS.

Go ahead and take advantage of this great learning opportunity and look at how SOLIDWORKS Composer can add value to your company and your customers by easily incorporating 3D graphics and interactive animation instead of static drawings and text into your technical product communication.