CommandManager and toolbars in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The CommandManager and toolbars in SolidWorks help you quickly find and use the tools you need. They organize commands in easy-to-access tabs and buttons, so you can work faster without searching menus.

When you want to switch between different tool sets like sketching, features, or assemblies easily.

When you need quick access to frequently used commands without opening menus.

When customizing your workspace to fit your specific design tasks.

When you want to add or remove tools to keep your toolbar clean and focused.

When you want to save time by grouping related commands together.

Steps

Step 1: Click

- CommandManager tabs at the top of the SolidWorks window

The toolbar changes to show commands related to the selected tab, like Sketch or Features

💡 Tabs group tools by task to keep your workspace organized

Step 2: Right-click

- any empty space on the CommandManager or toolbar area

A menu appears showing available toolbars and options

💡 Use this menu to show or hide toolbars you need

Step 3: Select

- a toolbar name from the right-click menu

The selected toolbar appears or disappears on the screen

💡 You can customize which toolbars are visible to suit your workflow

Step 4: Drag

- a toolbar by its handle (dotted area) to a new location

The toolbar moves to the new position, either docked or floating

💡 Arrange toolbars where they are easiest for you to reach

Step 5: Click

- the small arrow at the end of a CommandManager tab

A dropdown menu shows additional commands or options for that tab

💡 Use this to access less common tools without cluttering the toolbar

Before vs After

Before

Only the default CommandManager tab 'Features' is visible with a few tools

After

Additional toolbars like 'Sketch' and 'Evaluate' are visible, and toolbars are arranged on the left and top for easier access

Settings Reference

Show CommandManager

📍 Right-click toolbar area > Check 'CommandManager'

Toggle the main CommandManager toolbar on or off

Default: Show

Customize Toolbars

📍 Right-click toolbar area > Customize

Modify which commands appear on toolbars and how they are arranged

Default: N/A

Toolbar Docking

📍 Drag toolbar to screen edges

Control whether toolbars stay fixed or float freely

Default: Docked

Common Mistakes

Hiding the CommandManager and not knowing how to bring it back

Without the CommandManager, you lose quick access to many tools

Right-click the toolbar area and check 'CommandManager' to show it again

Dragging toolbars off screen accidentally

Toolbars become hard to find and use

Drag toolbars carefully and dock them to screen edges to keep them visible

Summary

CommandManager and toolbars organize SolidWorks tools into easy tabs and buttons.

You can show, hide, and move toolbars to customize your workspace.

Remember to keep the CommandManager visible for quick access to common commands.