DISQUS

SolidSmack: Set it UP! Killer SolidWorks Interface, Better Workflow

  • NathonRose · 1 year ago
    Haven't tried the setting yet, but I did have a moment of epiphany. I use a nice ligitech mouse with an application switch button. I never use that button, but remembered you can assign other things to it...like a keystroke assignment. Made that "S" and can now bring up the shortcut menu without using the keyboard.

    I use a space-mouse, and don't usually keep my finger right on the "s" key, so I wasn't using the shortcut menu as often as I "should". I totally used it in the 2009 beta, but kind of forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me of it and I figured others may have assignable buttons on their mice that can be used for that or any other of the shortcut features in SW.
  • Jason Raak · 1 year ago
    Awesome post Josh!

    I actually did a presentation on how to create a smoother work flow at the West Michigan SolidWorks User Group meeting in March. I am always looking for ways to clean up the interface and stay in the middle of the screen by the model as much as possible.

    Thanks for doing this post, its great!!!
  • Josh M · 1 year ago
    Thanks Jason! I really appreciate that. I'd love to see you presentation. I'm always looking for better ways to work within the task of modeling.
  • Charles Culp · 1 year ago
    I'll be sending plenty of people this way. I got rid of my toolbars a while ago. Sharing your settings gets two thumbs up!
  • Josh M · 1 year ago
    Thanks Charles. I tested and used 2008 while still using 2007 for production. (paaaaaaaain) When 2009 beta came out , I had to recommend upgrading at SP0. When we did, there were questions about the interface which prompted this post. altogether the move was excellent.
  • NathonRose · 1 year ago
    Going to try these out, I hope, soon. Will comment if I get the chance.
    Thanks
  • Michael Jolley · 1 year ago
    Hey, Josh. Great article. While I also do not know a way to edit the Left Click Menu, you can turn it off. For those who have used SW for years and miss being able to Right Click to do things like Edit Sketch and Edit Feature. All you have to do is go to Tools, Customize and on the Toolbars tab uncheck "Show on Selection" and "Show in Shortcut Menu" from the "Context toolbar settings" category on the right.

    One of my co-workers recently pointed this out to me and I'm exploiting his expertise.
  • Scott · 1 year ago
    Hi Josh,
    Great post.
    How do you add the "shortcut bar" to the thumb button of the mouse?
    Thanks.
  • Josh M · 1 year ago
    Hey Scott, thanks man. The mouse setting can usually be found in the Control Panel (Start, Controp Panel, Mouse). If the mouse came with a disk, there is a program you can load that will allow you to set up options for your mouse. IF you can't find it, I'd talk to your IT guy or other computer wiz.