How do I keep Solidworks from grabbing internal edge lines?

[CheckThePlug]

Hi,

I'm sure this could be solved by a Google search, but for the life of me I have NO idea what to actually type in (believe me, I've tried everything).

So, when dealing with a complicated part, Solidworks 2009 wants to highlight EVERY SINGLE internal edge line rather than the actual visible solid face. So, every time I want to select a face of a complicated part, I have to zoom way in until it will select just the face. Is there a way (checkbox?) so that Solidworks will ignore geometry that isn't present in the current view and only select visible solid faces and edges?

Oh, and while I'm at it, is there an easy way to do a 2D sketch trace of a flat face on a solid part (.IGES I believe) and turn it into a weldment profile?

Thanks.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

"Is there a way (checkbox?) so that Solidworks will ignore geometry that isn't present in the current view and only select visible solid faces and edges? "
Go to Tools > Options > System Options --- Selection of hidden edges and de-select the Allow selection in HLR and Shaded modes option.

 

[tummen]

If you have select hidden lines and dont want it you can hold down ctrl or shift dont remember exactly and you will not grab hidden lines.
Another way is to activate selection filter toolbar and say that you only want to grab surfaces.

 

[CheckThePlug]

Thanks guys! you're awesome! this is going to save me so much time over the next couple of days!

 

[CheckThePlug]

oh yeah, if anyone else wants to do this, I should mention that after you go to System Options, click the "Display/Selection" sidebar option and then uncheck "allow selection in HLR and Shaded modes". Alternately, I also discovered there's a toolbar called the "Selection Filter" toolbar that you can use to say "only select solid faces" etc. Good stuff and something I'm sure any Solidworks user will need from time to time.

 

[JMirisola]

And to easily access the Selection Filter toolbar, simply hit F5...

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
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