How to Create Exploded View in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To create an exploded view in SolidWorks, open your assembly and go to the ConfigurationManager. Right-click the assembly and select New Exploded View. Then, drag components apart using the triad arrows to separate parts visually.

Syntax

Creating an exploded view in SolidWorks involves these steps:

• Open Assembly: Load your assembly file.
• ConfigurationManager: Switch to this tab to manage views.
• New Exploded View: Right-click the assembly name and select this option.
• Drag Components: Use the triad arrows to move parts apart along X, Y, or Z axes.
• Confirm: Click the green checkmark to save the exploded view.

arm_architecture

Right-click Assembly > New Exploded View > Select Components > Drag using triad arrows > Confirm with green checkmark

Example

This example shows how to create a simple exploded view of a gearbox assembly by moving the gears and housing apart for clear visualization.

text

1. Open your gearbox assembly in SolidWorks.
2. Go to the ConfigurationManager tab on the left panel.
3. Right-click the assembly name and choose 'New Exploded View'.
4. Select the gear component, then drag it along the X-axis using the triad arrow to separate it from the housing.
5. Select the housing and drag it slightly along the Y-axis.
6. Repeat for other components as needed.
7. Click the green checkmark to save the exploded view.
8. Use the exploded view in drawings or presentations to show part relationships clearly.

Output

An exploded view where gears and housing are visually separated along different axes, making the assembly structure clear.

Common Pitfalls

• Not selecting components properly: Make sure to select parts before dragging; otherwise, no movement occurs.
• Dragging too far: Moving parts too far can cause confusion or overlap with other components.
• Forgetting to save: Always confirm the exploded view with the green checkmark to save changes.
• Using exploded view in wrong configuration: Exploded views are tied to configurations; ensure you are editing the correct one.

text

Wrong way:
Right-click assembly > New Exploded View > Drag without selecting parts > No movement happens

Right way:
Right-click assembly > New Exploded View > Select parts > Drag using triad arrows > Confirm with green checkmark

Quick Reference

Remember these quick tips when creating exploded views:

• Use ConfigurationManager to manage exploded views.
• Drag components along triad arrows for precise control.
• Save your exploded view with the green checkmark.
• Use exploded views in drawings for clear assembly instructions.

Key Takeaways

Create exploded views from the ConfigurationManager by right-clicking the assembly and selecting New Exploded View.

Drag selected components along triad arrows to separate parts visually.

Always confirm and save the exploded view with the green checkmark.

Avoid dragging parts too far or without selecting them first.

Use exploded views to improve clarity in assembly drawings and presentations.