Is there a way of programming some keys to roll forward and back one feature at a time. I know I can use the arrow keys if my cursor is hovering over the feature tree, but that seems finicking, and it often times rotates the view instead. Ideally I would like to get my cheapo dell mouse with side "forward/back" explorer buttons working to manage the tree.
Anybody else think this would be helpful?
Have you tried using the Part Reviewer add-in? It's not a keyboard arrow key function but is a lot less finnicky than the rollback bar/arrow key method.
... and you can add comments per feature.
Though I'm in favor of Part Reviewer but in case you are not running SW2012, you would like to check these macros: Part Player Macros
I thought the macro solution sounding perfect, but when I try to "run" it I get a
"run-time error '459'; Object or class does not support the set of events.
I have never been able to successfully use a macro though, so it might be something I have done.
As a side note if I get it figured out; is there a way to load a macro by default in every instance of solidworks?
I will also look into the reviewer as I am in 2012.
You do not need the cursor to hover over the feature tree, you just need the last click to had happen there (bringing the feature manager into focus).
So,
1. click on the feature tree and use the arrow keys - you play with the features.
2. click on the rollback bar and use the arrow keys - you move in time
3. click on the graphic area and use the arrow keys - you rotate the viewport
Watch THIS VIDEO for more information in this regard