Where Are Exploded View Saved in SolidWorks?

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When working with SolidWorks, it is essential to know where your exploded views are saved. This knowledge will not only help you organize your project efficiently but also enable easy retrieval of exploded view information when needed. In this article, we will explore the different locations where exploded views are saved in SolidWorks and how you can access them.

Exploded Views in SolidWorks

Before diving into the storage locations, let’s quickly recap what exploded views are in SolidWorks. An exploded view is a visual representation of how components of an assembly fit together. It helps users understand the assembly process and the relationships between individual parts.

Exploded views in SolidWorks consist of two main components:

  • Explode Lines: These lines define how parts move relative to each other during the assembly process.
  • Balloons: Balloons are numbered callouts that identify each part in the exploded view, making it easier to reference and assemble.

Saving Exploded Views

SolidWorks provides several options for saving and organizing your exploded views. Let’s explore these options:

In the Assembly File (.sldasm)

The most straightforward option is to save your exploded view directly within your assembly file (.sldasm). When you create an exploded view, SolidWorks automatically saves it within the assembly document itself. This means that whenever you open the assembly file, you can access all saved exploded views instantly.

To create an exploded view within your assembly file:

  1. Select Insert from the menu bar.
  2. Navigate to Mates.
  3. Select Explode.
  4. Follow the prompts to define your explode lines and add balloons.
  5. Save the assembly file.

In Configuration Specific Tab of Assembly

If you want to save different versions of your exploded view within the same assembly file, you can use the Configuration Specific tab. This feature allows you to create multiple configurations within an assembly and save unique exploded views for each configuration.

To access the Configuration Specific tab:

  1. Open your assembly file.
  2. Select Configuration Manager from the Task Pane or go to View → Configuration Manager.
  3. In the Configuration Manager, right-click on a configuration name and select New Configuration.
  4. In the new configuration, create your exploded view as usual.

Saving Exploded Views in Drawing Files (.slddrw)

SolidWorks also allows you to save exploded views directly in drawing files (.slddrw). This option is useful when you want to document and communicate specific exploded views without including the entire assembly model. Saving exploded views in drawing files enables easy sharing and printing of these views.

To save an exploded view in a drawing file:

  1. Create a new drawing file or open an existing one.
  2. Select Insert Model from the menu bar or use the shortcut Ctrl+I.
  3. In the Insert Model dialog box, browse and select your assembly file containing the desired exploded view.
  4. Select a front view or any other desired view.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Create your exploded view within the drawing using the assembly model.
  7. Save the drawing file.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exploded views in SolidWorks are saved directly within assembly files (.sldasm) by default. However, you can also save them in configuration-specific tabs or directly in drawing files (. Understanding these storage options will help you effectively manage and retrieve your exploded views as needed, ensuring a streamlined workflow and improved productivity.

Now that you know where your exploded views are saved in SolidWorks, you can confidently create and access them whenever required. So go ahead, explore this powerful feature, and enhance your design documentation process!