Why Display states in Solidworks? - Purpose & Use Cases

The Big Idea

What if you could instantly switch your model's look without the hassle of hiding parts every time?

The Scenario

Imagine you have a complex 3D model with many parts, and you need to show different versions or appearances of it manually by hiding and showing parts one by one every time you want to present a different look.

The Problem

This manual method is slow and frustrating because you have to remember which parts to hide or show each time. It's easy to make mistakes, and updating multiple views takes a lot of time.

The Solution

Display states let you save different visual setups of your model in one file. You can switch between these saved states instantly without hiding or showing parts manually every time.

Before vs After

✗ Before

Hide Part A, Show Part B, Change Color to Red

✓ After

Switch to Display State 'Version 1' or 'Version 2'

What It Enables

It enables quick and error-free visualization of multiple design options or presentations within the same model file.

Real Life Example

A product designer can show a client different color options and part configurations instantly during a meeting without rebuilding or duplicating the model.

Key Takeaways

Manual hiding/showing parts is slow and error-prone.

Display states save and recall visual setups easily.

Switching display states speeds up design reviews and presentations.

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