How to Use Display States in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

In SolidWorks, use Display States to save different visual appearances of parts or assemblies without altering their geometry. You can create, rename, and switch between display states in the ConfigurationManager tab to show or hide components, change colors, or apply transparency.

Syntax

Display States are managed in the ConfigurationManager tab of SolidWorks. You create a new display state by right-clicking on Display States and selecting New Display State. Each display state can have unique settings for:

• Component visibility
• Color and appearance
• Transparency

Switching display states changes only the visual properties, not the model geometry or configurations.

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Right-click 'Display States' > New Display State > Name it > Adjust visibility/colors/transparency

Example

This example shows how to create two display states in an assembly: one with all parts visible and colored normally, and another with some parts hidden and others transparent.

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1. Open your assembly in SolidWorks.
2. Go to the ConfigurationManager tab.
3. Right-click on 'Display States' and select 'New Display State'. Name it 'All Visible'.
4. Ensure all components are visible and have default colors.
5. Right-click 'Display States' again and create another display state named 'Hidden & Transparent'.
6. In this state, hide some components by right-clicking them and selecting 'Hide'.
7. Select other components, right-click, choose 'Appearance', and set transparency.
8. Switch between 'All Visible' and 'Hidden & Transparent' to see the visual changes.

Output

Switching display states changes component visibility and appearance without affecting geometry.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using display states include:

• Confusing display states with configurations — display states only affect appearance, not geometry.
• Not saving the display state after changes, causing loss of visual settings.
• Trying to control component position or features via display states, which is not possible.
• Assuming display states affect drawings — they only affect the model view.

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Wrong: Trying to move parts in a display state.
Right: Use configurations to change geometry or position.

Quick Reference

Action	Description
Create Display State	Right-click 'Display States' > New Display State
Rename Display State	Right-click display state > Rename
Change Visibility	Right-click component > Hide/Show
Change Appearance	Right-click component > Appearance > Edit
Switch Display State	Double-click desired display state in ConfigurationManager

Key Takeaways

Display states control visual appearance without changing geometry.

Create and manage display states in the ConfigurationManager tab.

Use display states to show/hide components or change colors and transparency.

Display states differ from configurations; they do not affect model structure.

Always save display states after making appearance changes.