Update: Vote on this Top 10 Idea:
Make "Include Detailing Mode Data when saving" a Document Setting instead of a System Setting
This is another post from the "Missing 5% functionality that makes users avoid this tool" novella.
The Good
The Detailing mode is a game changer for users who work with drawings of complex models. It offered the ability to open the drawing almost instantaneous (by not loading the model) and add, edit or remove:
- dimensions
- notes
- secondary drawing views
- sheets
Overall a thing of beauty. Many users reported a life changing experience after using it.
The Consequence
It works by saving more information in the drawing file, mostly related to existing edges and their ID. That, unfortunately, creates two less desirable consequences:
- Larger file sizes (all that independent info needs to be stored somewhere)
- Long saving times when the drawing contains shaded drawing views
Considering that 95% of the SOLIDWORKS drawings are simple enough not to need the use of the Detailing mode, it is important to give the users the ability to decide how much information to save in the file.
Current Solution
Currently (SOLIDWORKS 2020 SP4 and 2021 SP0) implemented this user control as a System Option:
This is not ideal for two reasons:
1. It does not allow to customize the amount of data saved per file. Ideally:
- simple drawings should have this option unchecked
- complex drawings should have the option checked
2. Potentially creates major problems for teams of users. One user, who has this system option unchecked, could open a large drawing, save it and erase or the detailing data. Then, when a power-user needs to open the drawing in Detailing mode, it would be impossible.
Team level consistency is important.
Ideal solution
This option should be a document level setting. Allow the user to decide to save the drawing with the Detailing data included or not.
To simplify the workflow, the SAVE dialog can also have a checkbox called Detailing Data to allow the user to make such decisions.
It might be even worth considering having a Large Drawing Mode, similar to the Large Assembly Mode where the software can decide to save or not Detailing data, if there are Shaded drawing views, or all kind of other factors known to slow-down the detailing process.
SPRs to Vote on
What do you think?