Chapter 25. Using Layers, Line Fonts, and Colors

IN THIS CHAPTER

  • Controlling layers

  • Controlling line format

  • Hiding and showing edges

  • Tutorial: Using drawing display tools

Regardless of what you think of the AutoCAD software, or the 2D world in general, AutoCAD has left its mark on CAD users of all kinds in the form of certain default expectations that people have about CAD software. A few common preconceptions are that layers, the Command Line, paper space/model space, and printing should be really difficult.

When former AutoCAD users make the switch to SolidWorks, the questions start: Where is the Command Line, How do I put parts on layers, How do I change the background color to black, and my personal favorite, Where is the zero-radius trim?

This chapter addresses AutoCAD-like functions in the SolidWorks drawing environment. The goal is not to make the functions look or work or compare in any way to AutoCAD, but to simply to make them useful in the context of the SolidWorks software. It is never productive to try to use SolidWorks as if it were AutoCAD. It is probably also counter productive to wish SolidWorks worked like AutoCAD. If you are making the transition, you will be much further ahead if you just embrace SolidWorks for what it is, and accept that it does not work like AutoCAD. You will be even further ahead if you do not assume that AutoCAD functionality is universal.

Controlling Layers

Layers in imported 2D data

When you import data through DXF or DWG format files, the layers ...

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