Blog archive
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New in Drew: a STEP file per body, a PDF per sheet
Drew now has smarter exports, more variables for paths and a better Batch Tool.37 things that confuse me about 3DEXPERIENCE
I really don't understand 3DExperience and SolidWorks Connected and I'm not the only one.New in Drew: run a macro on a batch of SOLIDWORKS models
Drew now supports macros, so you can add your own functionality.New in Lightning: lock rotation for non-Toolbox components
Lock the rotation of all concentric mates when adding fasteners. And not just for Toolbox parts.The biggest Drew update in years
Drew 4.0 is here. Edit existing drawings, add hole callouts, smarter exports, detailing mode...How to use custom properties in the SOLIDWORKS API (part 9)
Add, edit and delete custom properties using the SOLIDWORKS API with a few lines of code.How to batch process SOLIDWORKS models
Drew now lets you process a list of files or components. From import to drawing to export.How to save preferred fasteners (common stock) in SOLIDWORKS
Nudge your engineers into using preferred fasteners with Lightning.How to work with selections in the SOLIDWORKS API (part 8)
Learn how to select objects and entities via the API.Add washers to patterned bolts
Lightning now lets you add a washer to a patterned bolt.How to remove the Toolbox icon from SOLIDWORKS fasteners
We released a new tool to remove toolbox icons from your parts.How to hide the Display State name in SOLIDWORKS
If you don't use display states, you can easily hide them in the feature tree.Automatic ordinate dimensions for SOLIDWORKS drawings
Now even ordinate dimensions are automated. Plus: smarter table anchors.Entities and GetCorresponding in the SOLIDWORKS API (part 7)
SOLIDWORKS geometry is built up from entities: points, edges + faces. We explain them here.100 free fastener models for SOLIDWORKS – Try Lightning
Lightning now comes with 100 free fastener samples: bolts, nuts and washers.How to make a great fastener library for SOLIDWORKS
We built our own fastener library so you don't have to. With custom properties and mate references.50 Drew improvements: better automatic dimensions + progress bar
We have improved our automatic dimensions and adding a sheet per unique body.Database improvements for Lightning
Every customer can now have their own fastener database in Lightning.8 reversed and flipped isometric views
Drew now comes with 8 unique isometric views for your SOLIDWORKS drawings.About return values in the SOLIDWORKS API (part 6)
Methods in the SOLIDWORKS API have all kinds of return values. We'll go through all of them.SolidDna by CAD Booster + bug fixes
Drew is now built on our very own version of SolidDna.I created Tetris in SOLIDWORKS
A fun little art project turned into a fully playable game of Tetris in SOLIDWORKS.All identifiers and IDs in the SOLIDWORKS API (part 5)
What is a Persistent Reference ID and which other identifiers are available in SOLIDWORKS?Persistent ID, sketch segment ID in the SOLIDWORKS API (part 4)
Learn what a Persistent ID and a Sketch ID are, plus all other identification methods.How to work with Features in the SOLIDWORKS API (part 3)
Learn how to traverse the feature tree, understand feature definitions and feature data objects.SOLIDWORKS API: the basics – SldWorks, ModelDoc2 (part 2)
What is the SldWorks object? Learn how to work with ModelDoc2, parts, assemblies and drawings.The SOLIDWORKS Object Model + API explained (part 1)
If you want to create macros and add-ins for SOLIDWORKS, you need to understand the Object Model.Lightning is now a SOLIDWORKS partner product
Lightning makes working with fasteners in SOLIDWORKS fun again. And we're a partner product now!How to set table anchors in SOLIDWORKS
Table anchors allow tables to snap in place automatically. We'll show you how they work.The fastest way to replace fasteners
Add, edit and replace fasteners in a few clicks. We're making working with fasteners fun again.The complete guide to fixing slow SOLIDWORKS models
Stop waiting for your files to load. Learn how to analyze and fix slow models. 100+ tips.Seven improvements for fasteners in SOLIDWORKS
Find the right fastener in just a few clicks. Change the length or diameter in one click.Exports in one click (and use custom properties)
Smart exports, automatic balloon quantity and better bend-to-bend dimensions.Bend-to-bend dimensions and smarter balloons
Drew now adds bend dimensions to flat pattern views. We improved AutoFit + added European projectionBatch create drawings + multibody sheet
You can now import all models in a folder and create drawings in a few clicks.Macros for SOLIDWORKS: the absolute basics
Here's how to get started with SOLIDWORKS macros if you never created one before.Lightning – the fast fastener filter
Lightning makes working with fasteners fun. Drag the part into your assembly and we'll do the rest.Weldment angle dimensions, sticky + stacky annotations
We automated adding angle dimensions for weldments and made blocks and notes stackable.How to set a custom BOM quantity + units in SOLIDWORKS
A secret custom property that lets you change the BOM quantity from one to any number.Solo license + feedback form
New in this Drew update: a more affordable Solo license and a feedback form.Copy drawing sheets for each configuration
Create a copy of drawing sheets for every model configuration with one click. Plus 30 improvements.How to create Routing components
SOLIDWORKS Routing has many hidden tricks, features and requirements. We collected all of them.How to create a Routing library from scratch
Learn how to create a pipe file and how to work with the Routing Library and Routing Database.How to fix problems with document templates
Here's how to change the defaults and how to fix templates and folders not showing up.How to add multiple leaders (arrows) to notes
Quickly add a leader to a note. Click the leader, hold the control key, drag out a second leader.Seven improvements for sheet metal drawings
Configure flat pattern views: hide bend lines, rotate smart, flip smart, show bounding box and more.How to work from home with SOLIDWORKS
Best practices for working from home. From Remote Desktop to 3D mice, plus performance tips.Automatic flat pattern view + quick export
Automatic flat pattern view (+dimensions) for sheet metal drawings. Save to PDF/DXF with 1 click.NEN en CAD Booster starten pilot met 3D-modellen
Samen met NEN onderzoeken we hoe je norminformatie direct toe kunt passen in 3D-ontwerpsoftware.Open model from drawing, one click save
You switch back and forth between model and drawing. We made that easier and faster with Drew 2.4.Add outer dimensions and (2x) in one click
Drew now adds outer dimensions to views and (2x) or (3x) to a dimension with 1 click. it's awesome.Create clean SOLIDWORKS templates: one simple trick
SOLIDWORKS creates any missing template when you create a new file, or open the new file window.Automatic dimensions + balloons for weldment views
Adding dimensions is boring at best. We're here to help anyone making many weldment drawings.SOLIDWORKS extremely slow? Check your graphics drivers or Samsung monitor software
If SOLIDWORKS takes 1-5 minutes to draw a line, you might have an issue with a graphics card update.How to work with custom properties (and cut lists)
Custom properties let you store metadata from your model. Use them correctly to get superpowers.All available variables for custom properties (and cut lists)
Variables in custom properties help you add metadata to SOLIDWORKS models. We listed every availableEdit existing drawings, add missing body sheets
Make sure every body and every flat pattern has its own sheet. With one click.A complete overview of matrix transformations in the SOLIDWORKS API
How do matrix transformations work? What is IMathTransform? We cover the basics + advanced topics.How to use equations in SOLIDWORKS (basics + advanced)
Equations let you control sketches and suppress features. Here's how to get the most out of them.Weldment drawing: a sheet for every body in one click
Create a view with one body: click view > Select Bodies. Perfect when you make a weldment drawing.Drew 2.0: drawing automation at its best
Drawings are here to stay. So let's automate what we can and let engineers solve more problems.How to turn a radius dimension into a diameter
Here's how to change a radius dimension into a diameter. It works for drawings, parts and assembliesBalloons: 16 tips (and two problem fixes)
How do you verify that every balloon is in the drawing, fix broken balloons or add multiple leaders?Find missing balloons, delete dangling dimensions, automatic BOM
Drew checks your drawing before you send it to the reviewer.I think SOLIDWORKS drawings are assemblies – and it blew my mind
Drawings might actually be assemblies under the hood. I'll show you why that matters.Create drawing for each assembly component + smart blocks
Only one click to find all drawings for an assembly. Drew now also adds notes and blocks.Weldment AutoRotate and translations (+22 improvements)
You don't need to manually rotate weldment views anymore. Drew sets the rotation perfectly.InPlace mate: a special mate for virtual parts
The InPlace mate is a special, temporary Coincident mate. You cannot edit them.Use portrait paper sizes in SOLIDWORKS
Drew now supports portrait and landscape versions of all paper sizes in SOLIDWORKS.Origin mate: the best way to mate to the origin (3 mates in 1)
Origin mates let you align the three standard planes, all with a single mate.Drew update: flat patterns and cut lists
Flat patterns and weldments will get their own sheet, fully automatic. Also new: cut lists.Drew update: AutoFit fits all views on the sheet
Spend less time dragging views across the sheet. Let AutoFit fit all views and tables for you.Minimize deadline stress – try Drew
Drew lets you create a basic 2D drawing with a single click. Try it for free for 14 days.Colorado: our new color tool
We are developing a coloring tool for SOLIDWORKS. We would love your input.Will MBD replace 2D drawings?
We have been hearing for years that drawings are dead. Is that really the case?How to use virtual parts (and when to avoid them)
Virtual parts let you quickly mock up complex assemblies, without having to save each part.How to improve SOLIDWORKS macro speed 10x [+ bonus]
Does your macro speed need a boost? Here are seven ways to achieve that.Cam mate for SOLIDWORKS: 6 tips to get started (+ sketch paths)
A cam mate creates linked parts and moving assemblies. Sketch paths let you model ropes, chains andSlow drawing in SOLIDWORKS? Here are 12 possible reasons
Have your drawings become incredibly slow? We dive into solutions that can boost their performance.How to use SOLIDWORKS envelopes
References probably cause 50% of all SOLIDWORKS issues. Envelopes help you avoid these problems.Creating cuts across sheet metal bends
Use this to unfold a sheet metal bend before adding a new feature. Then fold it back afterwards.How to create a plane parallel to the screen
Adding axes and rotating planes to create the perfectly positioned plane? That's no longer necessaryBest practices: Assemblies
How do you create stable assembly files? What influences assembly speed? Find it out in this post.
Stop scrolling through endless
lists of fasteners.
Pick a type, size and material, then drag the part into your assembly.
Lightning adds a washer and a pattern for you.
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