Display states in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Display states let you show different looks of your 3D model without changing its structure. This helps you present variations like colors or visibility easily in one file.

When you want to show your model in different colors for presentations without making copies.

When you need to hide or show parts to focus on specific areas during a review.

When you want to compare different appearances of the same assembly quickly.

When you want to create multiple visual versions of a model for client options.

When you want to save time by switching views instead of opening multiple files.

Steps

Step 1: Open your assembly or part file

- SolidWorks main window

Your model appears on the screen ready for editing

Step 2: Click the ConfigurationManager tab

- FeatureManager design tree area on the left

You see the list of configurations and display states

Step 3: Right-click Display States

- ConfigurationManager tab

A menu appears with options related to display states

Step 4: Select Add Display State

- Right-click menu on Display States

A new display state is created and listed under Display States

Step 5: Rename the new display state

- Display States list in ConfigurationManager

The display state has a meaningful name for easy identification

Step 6: Change colors, hide or show parts as needed

- Graphics area and FeatureManager design tree

The model appearance updates to reflect changes for the selected display state

Step 7: Switch between display states by clicking their names

- Display States list in ConfigurationManager

The model updates instantly to show the selected display state

Before vs After

Before

Only one model appearance with all parts visible and default colors

After

Multiple display states showing different colors and some parts hidden for focused views

Settings Reference

Add Display State

📍 Right-click Display States in ConfigurationManager

Create a new display state to save a unique appearance of the model

Default: No display states initially

Rename Display State

📍 Right-click display state name in ConfigurationManager

Give meaningful names to display states for easy identification

Default: Default names like Display State 1

Hide/Show Components

📍 Right-click component in FeatureManager design tree or graphics area

Control visibility of parts in each display state

Default: All components visible

Change Appearance

📍 Right-click component → Appearance

Modify how parts look in each display state

Default: Default model colors

Common Mistakes

Changing part colors without creating a new display state

Changes apply to all display states, losing the ability to switch appearances

Always create or select a display state before changing colors or visibility

Confusing display states with configurations

Configurations change model structure, display states only change appearance

Use display states for appearance changes and configurations for geometry changes

Summary

Display states let you save different looks of your model without changing its parts.

You can switch quickly between appearances like colors and visibility.

Remember to create or select a display state before making appearance changes.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of Display States in SolidWorks?

easy

A. To permanently change the geometry of a model

B. To save different visual appearances of a model without changing its shape

C. To create new parts from an assembly

D. To export the model to different file formats

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand what Display States do

   Display States allow saving different looks of the same model, such as colors or visibility, without altering the model's shape.

2. Step 2: Differentiate from geometry changes

   Changing geometry permanently modifies the model, which Display States do not do.

3. Final Answer:

   To save different visual appearances of a model without changing its shape -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Display States = Visual appearance only [OK]

Hint: Remember: Display States change looks, not shape [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing Display States with geometry editing
• Thinking Display States create new parts
• Assuming Display States export files

2. Which of the following is the correct way to create a new Display State in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Go to File > Save As and choose Display State

B. Click on the Features tab and select 'New Display State'

C. Use the Move tool to create a Display State

D. Right-click on the Display States tab and select 'Add Display State'

Solution

1. Step 1: Locate Display States tab

   In SolidWorks, Display States are managed in the ConfigurationManager under the Display States tab.

2. Step 2: Create new Display State

   Right-clicking on the Display States tab gives the option 'Add Display State' to create a new one.

3. Final Answer:

   Right-click on the Display States tab and select 'Add Display State' -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Create Display State = Right-click Display States tab [OK]

Hint: Right-click Display States tab to add new state [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to create Display State from File menu
• Using Move tool which edits geometry
• Looking under Features tab incorrectly

3. Given a model with two Display States: State1 shows all parts visible, and State2 hides the front cover. What will happen when you switch from State1 to State2?

medium

A. The front cover becomes invisible while other parts remain visible

B. The entire model becomes invisible

C. The model shape changes to remove the front cover permanently

D. The colors of all parts change but visibility stays the same

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand Display State visibility control

   Display States can control visibility of parts without changing geometry.

2. Step 2: Analyze effect of switching states

   Switching to State2 hides the front cover but keeps other parts visible as per the saved state.

3. Final Answer:

   The front cover becomes invisible while other parts remain visible -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Switch Display State = Change visibility only [OK]

Hint: Switching Display State changes visibility, not shape [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking the model shape changes permanently
• Assuming entire model hides
• Confusing color changes with visibility

4. You created a Display State but when switching to it, the model looks the same as the default state. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. You forgot to save changes to visibility or appearance in the new Display State

B. The model geometry was deleted accidentally

C. Display States only work in assemblies, not parts

D. You need to restart SolidWorks to apply Display States

Solution

1. Step 1: Check if changes were saved in Display State

   Display States save visual changes like visibility or color. If no changes were saved, switching states shows no difference.

2. Step 2: Eliminate other causes

   Geometry deletion affects shape, not Display States. Display States work in parts and assemblies. Restart is not required.

3. Final Answer:

   You forgot to save changes to visibility or appearance in the new Display State -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   No saved changes = No visible difference [OK]

Hint: Always save visibility/appearance changes in Display State [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming geometry deletion affects Display States
• Thinking Display States need restart
• Believing Display States only work in assemblies

5. You want to compare two color schemes for a product without changing the model shape or creating multiple files. How can Display States help you achieve this?

hard

A. Apply colors directly to the model and save multiple versions manually

B. Create two separate files with different colors and switch between them

C. Create two Display States, each with a different color scheme applied to the model

D. Use configurations to change the model shape and color simultaneously

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand Display States for color variations

   Display States allow saving different appearances like colors without changing geometry or creating new files.

2. Step 2: Apply different colors in separate Display States

   Create two Display States, each with a unique color scheme, and switch between them to compare easily.

3. Final Answer:

   Create two Display States, each with a different color scheme applied to the model -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Display States = Multiple looks, one file [OK]

Hint: Use Display States to save color options without new files [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Creating multiple files instead of using Display States
• Confusing configurations with Display States
• Manually saving versions instead of using states