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.

Practice

1.

What is the main purpose of the CommandManager in SolidWorks?

easy

A. To manage user licenses

B. To create 3D models automatically

C. To export files to different formats

D. To organize tools in tabs for easy access

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the role of CommandManager

   The CommandManager groups tools into tabs, making them easy to find and use.

2. Step 2: Compare with other options

   Creating models, exporting files, and managing licenses are not functions of the CommandManager.

3. Final Answer:

   To organize tools in tabs for easy access -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   CommandManager = Organize tools [OK]

Hint: Think of CommandManager as a tool organizer [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing CommandManager with modeling tools
• Thinking it manages licenses
• Assuming it exports files

2.

Which of the following is the correct way to customize a toolbar in SolidWorks?

Right-click the toolbar area and select 'Customize'

easy

A. Use the File menu to open toolbar settings

B. Double-click the toolbar and drag tools

C. Right-click the toolbar area and select 'Customize'

D. Press Ctrl + T to open toolbar options

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify how to access toolbar customization

   Right-clicking the toolbar area brings up the option to customize toolbars.

2. Step 2: Verify other options

   Double-clicking does not customize toolbars; File menu and Ctrl + T are not used for this purpose.

3. Final Answer:

   Right-click the toolbar area and select 'Customize' -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Customize toolbar = Right-click + Customize [OK]

Hint: Right-click toolbar area to customize [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to double-click to customize
• Looking in File menu instead
• Using wrong keyboard shortcuts

3.

Consider you have hidden the 'Sketch' toolbar in SolidWorks. What will happen when you try to access sketch tools?

medium

A. Sketch tools will appear in the CommandManager tabs

B. Sketch tools will automatically open in a new window

C. Sketch tools will be unavailable until toolbar is shown again

D. Sketch tools will be permanently deleted

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand toolbar hiding effect

   Hiding a toolbar removes it from view but does not remove the tools from CommandManager tabs.

2. Step 2: Check other options

   Tools do not become unavailable, open in new windows, or get deleted when toolbar is hidden.

3. Final Answer:

   Sketch tools will appear in the CommandManager tabs -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Hidden toolbar tools = Still in CommandManager [OK]

Hint: Hidden toolbar tools stay in CommandManager tabs [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking tools disappear completely
• Expecting new windows to open
• Assuming tools get deleted

4.

You tried to customize a toolbar but the changes are not saved after restarting SolidWorks. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. SolidWorks does not allow toolbar customization

B. You did not click 'OK' or 'Apply' in the Customize dialog

C. Your computer does not support toolbars

D. You need to reinstall SolidWorks

Solution

1. Step 1: Check toolbar customization process

   Changes must be confirmed by clicking 'OK' or 'Apply' to save them.

2. Step 2: Eliminate other causes

   SolidWorks supports customization; hardware and reinstall are unrelated to this issue.

3. Final Answer:

   You did not click 'OK' or 'Apply' in the Customize dialog -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Save changes by clicking OK/Apply [OK]

Hint: Always click OK or Apply to save toolbar changes [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring the Apply button
• Blaming software or hardware incorrectly
• Thinking reinstall fixes customization

5.

You want to create a custom toolbar with only the tools you use daily and hide all others to keep your workspace clean. Which steps should you follow?

Select the correct sequence:

1. Right-click toolbar area and choose 'Customize'
2. Drag desired tools to new toolbar
3. Hide unused toolbars
4. Save the toolbar layout

hard

A. 1, 2, 3, 4

B. 2, 1, 3, 4

C. 3, 1, 4, 2

D. 1, 3, 2, 4

Solution

1. Step 1: Open Customize dialog

   Right-click the toolbar area and select 'Customize' to start editing toolbars.

2. Step 2: Add tools to new toolbar

   Drag the tools you use daily into the new custom toolbar.

3. Step 3: Hide unused toolbars

   Remove clutter by hiding toolbars you don't need.

4. Step 4: Save the layout

   Save your changes to keep the workspace clean next time.

5. Final Answer:

   1, 2, 3, 4 -> Option A

6. Quick Check:

   Customize, add, hide, save = 1,2,3,4 [OK]

Hint: Customize first, then hide unused, finally save [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Hiding toolbars before customizing
• Not saving changes
• Adding tools before opening Customize