How to Create Video from SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To create a video from SolidWorks, use the Motion Study tab to animate your model, then click Save Animation to export it as a video file. This process captures your model's movement or assembly steps into a video format like MP4 or AVI.

Syntax

In SolidWorks, creating a video involves these main steps:

• Open Motion Study: Access the Motion Study tab at the bottom of the SolidWorks window.
• Create Animation: Use timeline controls to animate parts or assemblies.
• Save Animation: Click the Save Animation button to export the video.

Each step lets you control how your model moves and how the video is saved.

text

1. Open your SolidWorks model.
2. Click the 'Motion Study' tab at the bottom.
3. Use timeline to add keyframes or drag parts.
4. Click 'Calculate' to preview animation.
5. Click 'Save Animation' button.
6. Choose video format (e.g., MP4), resolution, and save location.
7. Click 'Save' to export the video.

Example

This example shows how to create a simple rotating animation of a part and save it as a video:

text

1. Open your part file in SolidWorks.
2. Go to the 'Motion Study' tab.
3. Set the timeline to 5 seconds.
4. Select the part and add a rotation motor (e.g., 360 degrees over 5 seconds).
5. Click 'Calculate' to preview the rotation.
6. Click 'Save Animation'.
7. Choose 'MP4' format, set resolution to 1920x1080, and save as 'rotation.mp4'.

Output

A 5-second MP4 video named 'rotation.mp4' showing the part rotating 360 degrees.

Common Pitfalls

• Not using Motion Study tab: Trying to export video without animation setup will result in a static image.
• Forgetting to calculate animation: Always click 'Calculate' to preview before saving.
• Choosing wrong video format: Use common formats like MP4 for compatibility.
• Low resolution export: Set proper resolution to avoid blurry videos.

text

Wrong way:
1. Try to save video from main SolidWorks window without Motion Study.
2. Result: No animation, just a snapshot.

Right way:
1. Use Motion Study tab.
2. Animate parts.
3. Calculate animation.
4. Save animation as video.

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Tip
1	Open Motion Study tab	Located at bottom of SolidWorks window
2	Create animation	Use timeline and motors for movement
3	Calculate animation	Preview before exporting
4	Save Animation	Choose MP4 or AVI format
5	Set resolution	Use 1920x1080 for HD quality
6	Export video	Save to desired folder

Key Takeaways

Use the Motion Study tab to create animations in SolidWorks.

Always calculate the animation before saving the video.

Export videos in common formats like MP4 for best compatibility.

Set a high resolution to ensure clear video quality.

Avoid trying to export video without animation setup.