![](\"https:\/\/blog-assets.solidworks.com\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/02\/visualize-13.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nHere\u2019s a breakdown of the awesome speed improvements you\u2019ll now enjoy with 2017 SP2 (Visualize Standard & Professional):<\/p>\n
- \n
- Improved Viewport interactivity in Fast and Accurate render modes<\/li>\n
- Added new Fast Rendering mode switch for even faster Fast mode<\/li>\n
- BONUS: extended the \u2018Monitor File\u2019 across Visualize sessions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Improved Viewport interactivity in Fast and Accurate render modes<\/strong><\/p>\n
Want to interact with your model faster when in Fast and Accurate modes? Well your wait is over. You\u2019ve specifically asked us to improve the Viewport interactivity when rotating the camera around your model, and we\u2019ve delivered with 2017 SP2. You\u2019ll notice this improvement immediately; night and day over previous versions. No settings or switch to fiddle with; it just plain works\u2026faster.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/blog-assets.solidworks.com\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/02\/viewport20screenshot-615x334.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nAdded new Fast Rendering mode switch for even faster Fast mode
\n<\/strong>
\nThe Visualize R&D team developed a new, faster setting specifically for Fast mode. You now have the option to make Fast mode even faster, by choosing \u2018Speed\u2019 in this Fast mode setting. Easily accessible in the \u2018Tools > Options > 3D Viewport\u2019 tab, you can choose between two new Fast modes:<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/blog-assets.solidworks.com\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/02\/fast20mode20setting-615x541.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Speed<\/strong>: recommended for fastest interactivity in the Viewport.
\no This new Fast render setting will complete renders almost 2X faster than in previous versions, by removing self-shadowing and time-consuming reflections.
\no Ideal for projects without glass, clear plastics or transparent objects.<\/li>\n- Quality<\/strong>: recommended for final renders\u2026but you be the judge!
\no This new Fast render mode is actually more realistic and advanced than our previous Fast render mode! Now you can enjoy the more photorealistic Accurate mode with the blazing speeds of Fast mode. The best of both worlds.
\no If you haven\u2019t tried Fast mode yet for your Visualize projects, then now\u2019s definitely the time. You might be wasting loads of render time using Accurate mode, when this new Fast: Quality mode gives nearly identical results in a fraction of the time. Update to 2017 SP2 and give it a try today.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n![](\"https:\/\/blog-assets.solidworks.com\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/02\/fast20render20mode20comparison-615x346.jpg\")
<\/a>Model credit: Myomo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n <\/p>\n
BONUS: extended the \u2018Monitor File\u2019 feature across Visualize sessions<\/strong><\/p>\n
Are you taking advantage of the powerful \u2018Monitor File\u2019 feature to CAD Live-Update your model in Visualize as design and engineering changes are made? Well, we\u2019ve got a bonus for you in 2017 SP2. If \u2018Monitor File\u2019 is selected upon first import, Visualize will now continuously monitor your CAD file, even while Visualize is closed. As soon as you launch Visualize again, it will search for any newer version of your CAD file and immediately show a pop-up asking if you want to import the newer CAD file. This is a huge added bonus, allowing you to have a seamless workflow between your CAD tool and Visualize.<\/p>\n
- Quality<\/strong>: recommended for final renders\u2026but you be the judge!
- Speed<\/strong>: recommended for fastest interactivity in the Viewport.