Display states in Solidworks - Real Business Scenario

Scenario Mode

👤 Your Role: You are a product designer using SolidWorks to create a new mechanical part.

📋 Request: Your manager wants you to prepare a report showing different visual appearances of the part using Display States to highlight design options.

📊 Data: You have a SolidWorks part file with multiple Display States that change colors and visibility of features.

🎯 Deliverable: Create a report with screenshots or images of the part in each Display State, clearly labeled, to show the design variations.

Sample Data

Display State Name	Color	Visible Features
Default	Gray	All features visible
Option A	Blue	Hide feature 3
Option B	Red	Hide features 2 and 4
Option C	Green	Show only base features

1

Step 1: Open the SolidWorks part file and locate the Display States tab in the ConfigurationManager.

No formula needed; navigate to ConfigurationManager > Display States.

Expected Result

You see the list of Display States: Default, Option A, Option B, Option C.

2

Step 2: Activate each Display State one by one to view the part's appearance changes.

Click on each Display State name to apply it to the model view.

Expected Result

The part color and visible features update according to the selected Display State.

3

Step 3: Take a screenshot or save an image of the part in each Display State.

Use SolidWorks 'Save As' > 'JPEG' or 'Screenshot' tool for each Display State.

Expected Result

You have four images showing the part in Default (gray), Option A (blue, feature 3 hidden), Option B (red, features 2 and 4 hidden), and Option C (green, base features only).

4

Step 4: Create a report document with the images labeled by Display State name and description.

Insert images with captions: 'Default - All features visible', 'Option A - Feature 3 hidden', etc.

Expected Result

A clear report showing all Display States and their visual differences.

Final Result

Default

↓

Option A

↓

Option B

↓

Option C

✓Display States allow quick visualization of design variations without changing the model.

✓Using Display States helps communicate design options clearly to stakeholders.

✓Each Display State can control color and visibility of features independently.

Bonus Challenge

Create a SolidWorks animation switching between Display States to showcase design options dynamically.

Show Hint

Use the Motion Study tab to add keyframes changing Display States over time.

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