{"id":56891,"date":"2025-01-22T08:00:53","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T13:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/?p=56891"},"modified":"2025-05-21T10:49:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T14:49:53","slug":"get-in-gear-in-the-new-year-with-solidworks-cloud","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/2025\/01\/get-in-gear-in-the-new-year-with-solidworks-cloud.html","title":{"rendered":"Get in Gear in the New Year with SOLIDWORKS Cloud"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>I\u2019m excited to share with you a recap of some of the top enhancements added in 2024 to the SOLIDWORKS browser-based design apps (known as the xApps) in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.solidworks.com\/how-to-buy\/solidworks-cloud-offer\">SOLIDWORKS Cloud offer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>SOLIDWORKS Cloud features purpose-built solutions for parametric design, freeform design, sheet metal design and more, that you can access from anywhere on any device.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a look at some of the top enhancements, including popular SOLIDWORKS Desktop enhancements now available in the xApps, including the sheet metal Bend Order Table and Command Search, in addition to the AI-powered Command Predictor and more!<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Command Predictor<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Speed up design time with the Command Predictor that uses AI to predict your next move. Simply activate the Command Predictor from the Action bar to display a toolbar with up to seven suggested commands based on your recent design activity. The toolbar dynamically updates with every step, helping you work faster by reducing the need to return to the Action bar. If the Command Predictor toolbar doesn\u2019t display the command you need, simply use the intelligent command search located at the end of the toolbar.<\/p>\n<p>The xApps include many AI-powered features to help increase efficiency and eliminate redundant tasks. Learn more in this <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/2023\/01\/save-time-on-tedious-tasks-with-ai-features-in-3d-creator.html?_gl=1*lip13l*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTA3MDExMDI1LjE3MzY5NjMwMTI.*_ga_XQJPQWHZHH*MTczNjk2MzAxMi4xLjEuMTczNjk2MzAyMS4wLjAuMA..\">blog post<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"video-container\">\n<div class=\"entry-content-asset\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Command Predictor\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mRsrdZDH5Rc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong>DFM Helper<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Design for manufacturing and eliminate errors before they hit the shop floor with the DFM Helper that enables you to define checks for certain parameters such as maximum part size, minimum wall thickness, and hole specifications to ensure that designs are manufacturable.<\/p>\n<p>Improve manufacturability by identifying design flaws with the ability to run customizable geometry checks early in the design phase, streamlining production workflows downstream.<\/p>\n<div class=\"video-container\">\n<div class=\"entry-content-asset\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"New DFM Helper\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/d67PR3li8iE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong>Picture to Sketch <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Easily convert images to editable 2D sketches with the \u201cPicture to Sketch\u201d tool. Let\u2019s say you want to turn a logo into a sketch as pictured below, you could do so. Once converted to a sketch, you can further edit and refine the lines and curves to match your exact design needs.<\/p>\n<p>You could also use it to trace screenshots of 2D sketches and drawings from other CAD systems to more easily import them into a 3D CAD system.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"thumbnail wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-assets.solidworks.com\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/picturetosketchjan1625.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Use the Picture to Sketch tool to turn a logo into a sketch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li>\u00a0\u00a0<strong>Command Search<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Quickly find commands with the ability to pull up the Command Search and search for commands by pressing the \u201cs\u201d or \u201c\/\u201d key on the keyboard or access the search from the Action bar. With the Command Search you can search for commands by the command name, keywords in the tooltip description, or common synonyms from other CAD systems, in case you don\u2019t know the exact command name.<\/p>\n<p>This is a favorite feature in SOLIDWORKS Desktop and now it\u2019s available in the xApps!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"thumbnail wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-assets.solidworks.com\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/commandsearchjan1625.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Access commands quickly with new search options.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><strong>Align to Geometry<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Easily design a freeform shape around existing geometry with the ability to align subdivision cage points to external geometry by making it Coincident, Colinear, Perpendicular, or Parallel to that geometry.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, you can align the subdivision cage points to an external geometry. For example, you can select different faces of a subdivision and then select an external geometry like a plane to make it parallel or perpendicular. This provides more control to manipulate your mesh to better align with existing geometry.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"thumbnail wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-assets.solidworks.com\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/aligntogeometryjan1625.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Easily design a freeform shape in the context of external geometry with new alignment tools in xShape.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"6\">\n<li><strong>Alternate Robot for Modifying a Sub-D Mesh<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Make faster and more intuitive mesh modifications by launching the Modifier Robot directly on your model in xShape to extrude, crease an edge, or insert a loop without having to navigate to the Action bar to launch the command.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"thumbnail wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-assets.solidworks.com\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/robotmodifierjan162520_1_.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Quickly make mesh modifications such as extruding by dragging the Modifier Robot.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"7\">\n<li><strong>Hole Callout <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The new Hole Callout in the xDrawing app enables you to define any hole pattern created as a hole feature in the xDesign app.<\/p>\n<p>Efficiently and accurately create comprehensive hole callouts to ensure proper hole fit, sizing, positioning and tolerance.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"thumbnail wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-assets.solidworks.com\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/holecalloutjan1625.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Accurately define proper hole fit, sizing, position, and tolerance with a single annotation using the Hole Callout.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol start=\"8\">\n<li><strong>Bend Order and Bend Table <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The Bend Order feature enables you to view both the folded and flat states of a sheet metal part, along with key information such as bend order, direction, angle, radius, K-factor, and more, in a tabular format. Additionally, the Bend Table allows you to modify the bend order and rename bends as needed. The ability to reorder the bends in the table and rename them on the fly ensures that the correct manufacturing intent is conveyed from the design side.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, the cross-highlighting of the bends from the table enables easy identification on both the folded and flattened states of the sheet metal part from the graphics area, making it easy to understand the manufacturing intent.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"video-container\">\n<div class=\"entry-content-asset\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"New Bend Order Feature\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5nlEPAmUaNQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"thumbnail wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-assets.solidworks.com\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/bendtableajan1625.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Provide simple, clear manufacturing instructions for sheet metal components with bend tables.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"9\">\n<li><strong>Closed Corner <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The Closed Corner command is also a favorite among our <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/2024\/12\/5-new-features-you-should-know-about-in-3d-sheetmetal-creator.html?_gl=1*yanwy8*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTI2MjkwOTk2Ni4xNzM3MDQ3OTky*_ga_XQJPQWHZHH*MTczNzA0Nzk5Mi4xLjAuMTczNzA0Nzk5Mi4wLjAuMA..\">team<\/a> in the xSheetmetal app. To ensure a proper alignment for welding and to optimize the structural integrity of sheet metal designs, it\u2019s important to close any gaps with overlapping flanges.<\/p>\n<p>The Closed Corner command includes three options: Gap, Overlap and Tabbed. The Gap option lets you specify the gap dimensions. The Overlap option will close the gap completely. You can also use the option called Tabbed to close the gap between two flanges.<\/p>\n<div class=\"video-container\">\n<div class=\"entry-content-asset\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"New Closed Corner Feature\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9mb76it-K_w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"10\">\n<li><strong>Enhanced Soft Selection <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Gain more control and create models ready for manufacturing with new and improved soft selection capabilities for precise draft creation.<\/p>\n<p>You now have the flexibility to add draft for a subdivision model. For example, you can select the &#8220;Affected faces&#8221; and &#8220;Reverse Influence&#8221; to add draft to specific areas of a subdivision model and target the areas you want to adjust.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"video-container\">\n<div class=\"entry-content-asset\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Enhanced Soft Selection\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/A-jO9KuymRk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>This is just a glimpse of what was added throughout the year in functional delivery releases. Check out these blog posts for more details about all the enhancements that were added this year: <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/2024\/11\/whats-new-in-solidworks-cloud-november-2024-update.html\">November 2024 Update<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/2024\/07\/whats-new-in-solidworks-browser-based-roles-r2024x-fd03.html\">July 2024 Update<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/2024\/04\/create-product-experiences-that-make-customers-say-wow-with-solidworks-cloud.html\">April 2024 Update<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/2024\/02\/whats-new-in-solidworks-browser-based-design-roles-r2024x-fd01.html\">February 2024 Update<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The first update of the year is coming soon too, in early February! Stay tuned, and if you\u2019d like to weigh in on future updates you can vote <a href=\"https:\/\/r1132100503382-eu1-3dswym.3dexperience.3ds.com\/community\/swym:prd:R1132100503382:community:NuvjIL0QTDKJKkb2P1AjjA\">here<\/a> in the Top Ten list. But hurry, voting ends January 26th and will be revealed at this year\u2019s <strong>3D<\/strong>EXPERIENCE World annual user event taking place February 23-26<sup>th<\/sup> in Houston, Texas. To learn more about the Top Ten list check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/2024\/11\/the-top-10-list-is-now-open.html?_gl=1*19im9sm*_up*MQ..*_ga*NTEyODg5ODg4LjE3MzcwNTIzMzM.*_ga_XQJPQWHZHH*MTczNzA1MjMzMy4xLjAuMTczNzA1MjMzMy4wLjAuMA..\">blog post<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re attending <strong>3D<\/strong>EXPERIENCE World, catch up with me and my team in these <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/2025\/01\/six-sessions-on-browser-based-design-you-dont-want-to-miss-at-3dexperience-world-2025.html?_gl=1*1pk50p7*_up*MQ..*_ga*NTEyODg5ODg4LjE3MzcwNTIzMzM.*_ga_XQJPQWHZHH*MTczNzA1MjMzMy4xLjEuMTczNzA1MjQ1Ny4wLjAuMA..\">sessions<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I\u2019m excited to share a recap of some of the top enhancements added in 2024 in the SOLIDWORKS browser-based design roles and apps.<\/p>\n... <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/2025\/01\/get-in-gear-in-the-new-year-with-solidworks-cloud.html\">Continued<\/a>","protected":false},"author":589,"featured_media":56881,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3045,3044,3337,2933,18],"tags":[3012,2989,4857,4777,4858,4856,3785,3854,2175,4758,2912,4133],"class_list":["post-56891","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-3d-creator","category-3d-sculptor","category-3d-sheet-metal-creator","category-3dexperience","category-solidworks","tag-3d-creator","tag-3d-sculptor","tag-bend-table","tag-command-predictor","tag-dfm-helper","tag-solidworks-browser-based-design-apps","tag-solidworks-cloud-offer","tag-xapps","tag-xdesign","tag-xdrawing","tag-xshape","tag-xsheetmetal"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56891","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/589"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56891"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56891\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56928,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56891\/revisions\/56928"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56881"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56891"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56891"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/solidworksblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56891"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}