Large Design Review Mode

If you build assembly models that contain thousands of parts, you have undoubtedly experienced instances where your computer’s performance suffered.  You are probably already aware of many of the tools that SolidWorks provides to optimize your files.  Using tools such as large assembly mode, lightweight, SpeedPak and Defeature, will dramatically speed up the process while you are working on such large files.

But what about when you just need to review the assembly with a customer or other members of your design team?  There may still be a large amount of overhead data in your file that is not required for this purpose. SolidWorks 2012 introduces a new feature call Large Design Review Mode.  Large Design Review Mode is primarily intended as an environment for quick design reviews.

Large Design Review lets you open very large assemblies quickly, while still retaining capabilities that are useful when conducting design reviews of assemblies.

When you open an assembly in Large Design Review mode, you can:
• Navigate the FeatureManager design tree
• Measure distances
• Create cross sections
• Hide and show components
• Create, edit, and play back walk-throughs
• Open part file to edit

To open an assembly in Large Design Review mode, click Open (Standard toolbar) or File > Open.  In the dialog box, select the assembly you want to open, and then, in Mode, select Large Design Review.

For more on how to use this great new enhancement, refer to your SolidWorks help file, “Large Design Review Mode.”

Also take a look at this video on YouTube.