Can explode lines be configured to a different color, like red?
Can explode lines be configured to a different color, like red?
Thank you. I have a layer called DIM set to the color red on which all my dimensions and notes go, but I can't locate a place in either system options or document options to make the explode lines to do the same.
Steve,
I rarely use Exploded Views, and had never used Explode Lines, but I was curious so I created a drawing with some Explode Lines to see if I could change the colors. I was spectacularly unsuccessful. I had assumed that you could click on the Explode Lines and then change their colors with either (or at least one) of the methods Tony mentioned, but they don't seem to be selectable. And I can't find a setting for Explode Lines at Tools > Options > System Options > Explode Lines.
I even tried changing the colors in the model, and then showing a shaded view in the drawing. That worked until I did a rebuild, then they went right back to black.
Maybe someone else can help, but I'm afraid you might be out of luck.
A work around always fixes things lol...........
I did the same as Glenn, did a simple exploded sketch and then blah....
The work around is after you have your sketch in the drawing, draw individual lines and change the color and weight - This doesn't answer your question, however it gets color where there was no color
John,
Thanks for the help. Yes, I have had my students actually "draw in" the centerlines in red to represent the explode lines. I found that by using the geometric relationships we can get a pretty good looking exploded view. I was just hoping SolidWorks had something more efficient.
Steve,
Like Glen, I played around with an assembly I had handy, and like Glen discovered that the lines just go back to black at the next rebuild. I did notice that if I tried to edit the color again, the line still thought it was the color I had changed it to before, but it always goes back to black, interesting.
I hate to say it but you may just have to get "old fashioned" and put the lines you want to be different in on the drawing (Do I hear a gasp of horror?). Once upon a time that was the only way you had to do it, and as I recall it wasn't that hard. You can add all the usual sketch relations to keep things where you want them, or just free hand. Then you can put them on layers, or just make each one whatever color, line style and thickness you want
If you RMB the view you can explode the view select "Convert View to Sketch" yhen you can hange the color of the lines or place them in a layer.
You can change the line color by going to Tools > Options > Colors (in System Options) > Drawings > Drawings, Visible Model Edges. It will, unfortunately, change the color of all of your drawings as well. I use this when I want to take a screen shot of an exploded image, but I change it back to black when I'm done.
Hi Guys,
So I see this post is very old but none the less. :-)
So in the Assy, I edit the 3d sketch created in the ConfigurationManager tree, I then select the lines as required, take note of toolbar left bottom select line color and change. pretty simple. please note this is in SW 2016.
OK AND THEN WHEN YOU EXIT THE SKETCH THE LINE ALL TURN BLACK AGAIN! NOW I ALSO HAVE THIS PROBLEM?? :-)
Hi John,
thx for the response, i just tried your suggestion.
I edit it when editing sketch then the line colors change like my image shows. but as soon as I exit sketch it goed back to black.
When I try and make the entire 3d sketch a solid color it allows me to do everything but doesn't physically change, it just stays black.
Thanks in advance.
Correct on the color changing to black when in the edit mode, but when you get out of edit it should change to the color you picked out...
As for the 3D sketch, did you select the sketch in the feature tree and apply your color or are you doing line by line in the edit sketch mode??
I Tried Both ways John,
Editing the sketch and changing each line individually. (this way changes but then changes back after exit sketch)
Selecting the 3D sketch as an entity in the tree and then changing the color results in no change as if i did nothing.
You are using the Exploded Line Sketches - correct??
newbie to the forum - I've tried all kinds of ways to do this as I'm intrigued by this. I can get the lines to change colour in the drawing (Model: exploded sketch line - click on line colour tab and select a colour - select an exploded line - DONT exit sketch - go back to drawing) the model has to be in colour - though the lines wouldn't export/save in colour!!
this should be an easy/standard procedure!!
Hi Adam,
I need to save a pdf of the drawing in color then obviously. so ja stuck here. but ja my first time aswell playing with exploded views and lines as the drawing had to many detailed views to balloon parts.
Thanks for the effort though. :-)
Ok - You can't change this
But you can change this
So you could do the exploded (3DExplode1) and then overlay it with just a 3D sketch - but what I would do is make my own Exploded Sketch using the 3D Sketch tool, then you can color the lines and also change them from solid to dashed etc...
Well this is not really what i expected. if i really need to i will keep it in mind - thx. but i am going to do +- 8 assys and each will then need it done and changes later down the line ag no. i am not going to create a std for the client and then later regret it.
But thanks in advance i will keep a look out for answers - but sureley this should be a simple task in SW?
Cheers.
As I said earlier - can do this by leaving the exploded sketch open in the assembly - changing the line colour (using the colour tab) and then flicking back to the drawing
not ideal but quick!
but i need to sasve pdf's of the drawing and you noted it would then be back to black? and again each time i have a change i must remember to do everything correctly. but yes this should be a simple task in SW.
thx
You can place them on another layer and assign the color for that layer. You may be able to use the line format toolbar to do it as well.