Learn how to use configurations in SolidWorks to create multiple variations of a part or assembly within a single file. This is perfect for managing different sizes, materials, or feature sets efficiently.
In your SolidWorks part or assembly file, click on the ConfigurationManager tab. It's typically located at the top of the FeatureManager Design Tree, represented by an icon that looks like a table.
Right-click on the top-level part or assembly name in the ConfigurationManager tree and select Add Configuration... from the context menu.
In the Add Configuration PropertyManager, enter a unique Configuration Name (e.g., 'Long Version' or 'Small Diameter'). You can also add an optional description. Click the green checkmark to create it.
Double-click the new configuration's name in the tree to make it active. Now, any changes you make, such as suppressing a feature or changing a dimension, can be applied specifically to this configuration.
To change a feature for the active configuration, right-click it in the FeatureManager Design Tree and select Configure Feature. This opens a table where you can suppress/unsuppress features or modify dimensions for each configuration.
To see your different versions, simply double-click any configuration name in the ConfigurationManager. The model in the graphics area will update instantly to reflect that version's properties.
Pro Tips for Managing Configurations
For parts with many configurations or complex parameter changes, use a Design Table. This embeds an Excel spreadsheet to control dimensions and features across all configurations at once.
A derived configuration is a child of an existing configuration. It inherits all the properties of its parent, allowing you to make minor modifications without starting from scratch.
You can select which configuration of a part to use when placing it in an assembly. Right-click the component in the assembly tree and choose Component Properties to switch its configuration.
When creating a drawing view, you can specify which configuration of the model to display. This allows you to document all variations of your design on a single drawing sheet.
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