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How do I change orientation in SOLIDWORKS?

Published in SOLIDWORKS Views 2 mins read

Changing the view orientation in SOLIDWORKS is straightforward and allows you to view your model from different perspectives. You essentially select a view to change the model's orientation.

Here's how:

  1. Select a view: Within the SOLIDWORKS interface, locate the Heads-up View toolbar or the View menu.

  2. In the PropertyManager (if applicable), under Orientation, select a different view orientation: Use the View Orientation dialog box (accessed through the Heads-up View toolbar or View menu) to choose from standard views like:

    • Isometric: Provides a 3D view with all three axes equally foreshortened.
    • Trimetric: A 3D view where all three axes are unequally foreshortened.
    • Dimetric: A 3D view where two axes are equally foreshortened.
    • Front, Back, Left, Right, Top, Bottom: Orthographic views that show the model from a specific cardinal direction.

    You can also select pre-defined custom views or create your own named views for quick access. The "Normal To" option is particularly useful; it rotates the view so that the selected face or plane is perpendicular to the screen.

Additional Tips and Techniques:

  • Heads-up View Toolbar: This is the most common and convenient way to change views. It typically resides at the top of the graphics area.

  • View Menu: Located in the top menu bar (File, Edit, View, Insert...). Navigate to View > Modify > Orientation to access the same view options.

  • Spacebar: Pressing the spacebar brings up the Orientation dialog box. This allows for quick selection of standard views, creation of new views, or updating existing ones.

  • Roll/Spin the View: Middle mouse button enables rotation/spin; shift + middle mouse button enables panning. These are ways to manipulate the view without changing to a predefined orientation.

  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Some views have keyboard shortcuts assigned (e.g., Ctrl+1 for Front, Ctrl+2 for Back, etc.). These can be customized in the SOLIDWORKS options.

By understanding these methods, you can efficiently control the view orientation in SOLIDWORKS, enabling you to examine and manipulate your models effectively.

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