SOLIDWORKS 2018: Touch Mode Overview

Touch controls have been introduced in SOLIDWORKS 2018 in the form of the all new ‘Touch Mode’. All you need to try these out is a touch enabled screen, Microsoft Windows 10 and a license of SOLIDWORKS 2018, so let’s give it a go!

The first thing we will need to do is activate the Touch Mode, which can be found on the View Menu. Once activated it will display your touch controls on the left side of the screen. However, if you would prefer them on the right side of the screen, you can change this in the Options. Search for Touch In your Options menu to find this.

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode View Menu

You will also need to activate the Sketch Ink Toolbar. You can do this by Right Clicking on your CommandManager, on any of the tab names, a list of available tabs will appear. You can activate the touch toolbar by clicking Sketch Ink.

Touch Mode Model Control

Once Touch Mode is activated you will be able to control models onscreen, using the following gesture controls:

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Zoom OutZoom out With two fingers on the screen spaced a distance apart, pinch them towards one another.
SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Zoom InZoom in With two fingers on the screen close to one another, spread them apart.
SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode RotateRotate Fix two fingers close together and drag both together across the screen.
SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode PanPan Fix two fingers a distance apart and drag both together across the screen.
SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode RollRoll Fix one finger on the screen and rotate the other around it.
SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Zoom To FitZoom-to-fit Double-tap two fingers on the screen at the same time.
SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Right ClickRight click Hold one finger on the screen and tap with another.

Modelling

When these commands become familiar, you can try modelling within the touch environment. You will find that enlarging the buttons within SOLIDWORKS will make this process simpler.

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Large Button Size

The Commands on the touch toolbar will allow you to make the process of modelling within SOLIDWORKS easier. It contains the following commands:

 

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Exit Command

Exit command

Like pressing the Esc key on the keyboard. It will escape the current tool.
 

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode S Key

‘S’ key

Opens the shortcut toolbar. Also lets you type in the command search in the corner.
 

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Multi Select

Multi-select

Activating this command is similar to holding Ctrl. It will allow you to select multiple entities.

It will also allow you to window select more easily.

 

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Delete

Delete

Deletes the selected item.
 

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Zoom Up Down SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Zoom Up Down 2

Zoom up/down

Changes the zoom level when using the magnifying glass.
 

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Locks 3D Rotation

Lock 3D rotation

Make sure you turn this on when sketching, it locks the model orientation – no accidental rotation!

Can also do this when activating commands (i.e. moving components in an assembly).

 

You can also activate the magnifying glass or mouse gestures while sketching. If you hold your finger onscreen, you will see a wheel start to form. Let this wheel complete to access the magnifying glass.

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode magnifying glass 1

If you drag as the wheel is being formed, you will bring up the mouse gestures wheel.

SOLIDWORKS-2018-Touch-Mode-3

Sketching

When it comes to sketching in the Touch environment, you can use either a touch enabled stylus or just your finger. There are two modes which can be activated, these are seen on the Sketch Ink toolbar.

 

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Sketching Autoshape When activated, SOLIDWORKS automatically recognises your pen/finger strokes as the following recognisable  shapes: Line, Point, 3 Point Arc, Circle, Corner, Corner Rectangle, Ellipse & Polygon.

This mode allows you to easily sketch out concept designs without having to turn them all to sketches. The colours available on the pen drop down will give you the ability to easily differentiate the shapes you produce. When desired items can be converted into sketches when selected.

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Sketching Auto Sketch Entities Uses the above listed shapes. The difference is that the shapes will be auto converted to sketch items.

 

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Autoshape Autosketch 1
Top: Auto Shape, Bottom: Auto Sketch Entities

As you start to use the touch mode more, you will notice that some of the tool bars are enlarged to make them easier to use. The shortcut menu shown as items are selected is a good example. You will also notice a down arrow shown next to the menu which will expand to show the right click menu.

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Touch Mode Shortcut Menu

Now see it in action!

Here’s a video of Touch Mode from our What’s New in SOLIDWORKS 2018 video playlist.

We hope you found that useful!

Have you seen our blog archive where we have posted plenty of helpful articles? We also have a fantastic video library filled with easy-to-follow videos on a number of topics inspired by other SOLIDWORKS users – take a look. Also, don’t forget to follow Innova Systems on Twitter for daily bite size SOLIDWORKS tips, tricks and videos.

n.b. This blog post was originally posted on the Innova Systems Website here: https://www.innova-systems.co.uk/solidworks-2018-touch-mode-tutorial 

Innova Systems
We specialise in the supply, technical support and training of SOLIDWORKS software. Based in Cambridge we have a central location to service a UK wide customer base. We offer the skills and experience to help you develop new products using SOLIDWORKS - empowering smarter, faster and more cost effective design. We've been recognised by SOLIDWORKS Corporation for providing the highest rated customer support in Northern Europe in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Email: info@innova-systems.co.uk / Telephone: 01223 200690.
Innova Systems
Innova Systems
Innova Systems

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