Prevent toolbars from changing?

[jwarnke]

I've been using solidworks for about 3 years now and have never taken the time to ask, but now I can't take it anymore. Is there a way to keep my toolbars the same all of the time? Like AutoCad, or pretty much any program for that matter. I don't always use the same templates and I don't want the same toolbar layout as johnny 4-fingers at the desk next to me. Any help on how to do this is appreciated!

Thanks,

Joel Warnke
Solidworks x64 2008 SP5.0
Windows XP Professional x64

 

[Eltron]

If you are asking weather you can have customized toolbars location for multiple users on the same computer, then the answer is no. If you are asking what the most logical tb layout is then that's a question that we can answer.

First, I would suggest that you ditch the toolbars altogether since you have '08 running. The context menus, shortcut bar, and keyboard shortcuts make them pretty much obsolete. Besides, then you don't have to deal with the persistent errors that SW has with tb locations.

Having said that, if you are married to the tbs, then there is some logic to follow with tb placement:
1. Dump the Command Manager. It takes up too much space, and requires too many clicks.
2. Set up the toolbars at the top of the screen only.
3. Take advantage of the fact that tbs can be different for every file type (Parts, assys, drawings).
4. You should have three rows of toolbars.
a. The first (top)row should be common across all file types (save dialog, utilities, views).
b. The second row should be tbs that are common for most file types (sketching, dimensions, PW, etc.)
c. The last row should be tbs that are specific file types. For parts you should have your feature toolbars here. For assemblies you should have your assembly tools here. For drawings you should have your drawing tools here.

In order to save the tb layout just open a file of every file type, move the tbs around as described above, and close the file. This set up should make your work a bit more efficient, and make it easier to to logically locate items that you need.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

 

[handleman]

When you say "All the time", do you mean no matter which file type you have open (part/assy/dwg)? That would be quite a waste of screen real estate, but it can be done. As Dan said, SW remembers (or is supposed to anyway) your toolbar settings for each file type, so you'll have to open one of each and set up your toolbars as you like 'em with each different file type active. Then, once you're happy, close SW and USE THE COPY SETTINGS WIZARD! That's because many times after the software crashes SW will forget where your toolbars go and put 'em all over the place. I've had two crashes where it totally corrupted the toolbar settings to where it couldn't even read them. I had to restore using Copy Settings.

Also noteworthy: If you make a change to your toolbars, SW doesn't actually write this change to the registry until you close the program normally. If it crashes, the change you made will be forgotten.

-handleman, CSWP (The new, easy test)

 

[mncad]

I think he has the same problem that I do. My toolbars stayed right where I put the for the last 2 or 3 years. About 3 weeks ago my Solidworks 2007 SP2.1 crashed and it showed an error message that said something about toolbars. Now, everytime I start SW my toolbars are rearranged for models, assemblies and drawings. It has been getting better. At first 3 or 4 toolbars were always moved around, the last week only 1 or 2 have been moved around every time I start it.

mncad

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

faq559-507

 

[Eltron]

According to SW, you don't have an issue. In fact, the bouncing toolbars issue has been a problem for quite some time, but SW says that they can fix it because they can't duplicate it. Sounds like a grotesque evasion to me, but what do I know?

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

How can they fix what is only 'broken' on some machines? There are almost infinite hardware and software combinations and settings for both. All it takes is one mismatch for things to get screwed up.

Having said that, SW does seem to be extra-sensitive to just about anything when compared to some other softwares.

 

[ctopher]

Dan,
"2. Set up the toolbars at the top of the screen only."

If it's a wide screen monitor, move them to the side. Adding them to the top of a wide screen will lose valuable screen space.

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion

 

[JMarv]

3. Take advantage of the fact that tbs can be different for every file type (Parts, assys, drawings).

What toolbars are visible is document specific, but where the toolbars are located/docked should not be document specific. For example, don't try to put your sketch toolbar along the top for parts, and along the side for assemblies. According to SolidWorks, this is the most common cause for toolbars moving themselves.

Joe
SW Office 2008 SP4.0
P4 3.0Ghz 3GB
ATI FireGL X1

 

[Eltron]

Good point, Joe.

As far as the top vs. side argument, I still think the top is better since that's standard to most other progs that are in use. And if real estate is that much of an issue, you can put your toolbars on a second monitor or just dump them all together, which is what I suggest.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

 

[SBaugh]

sorry for coming in late on this... but "DUMP the Command manager, takes up to much room?... are you kidding me?? CMD manager is great!!! I use only CMD manager, macro, and Selection filter TB. I don't need anything else. I di turn off the text on the CMD manager and that clears up a TON of space. Add icons to the manager that are not there and I don't need anything else.

As for the TB jumping around. I will open a part set my toolbars like I want them (which are basically the same as I mentioned above for all 3 styles Part, Assembly, Drawing). Then after I place them I close SW down. Then it forces SW to remember those settings upon start up. Do the same for Assembly and Drawing. The only thing that might change is when you click between a part and drawing. But if you use the CMD manager it never changes, just don't put anything next to it. Works fine here and has been fine for me the last 11 years I have been using it. Rarely do I see anything like this.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Scott,

You don't use the S shortcut menu at all?

 

[SBaugh]

Not much, but I know how useful it is. I love having the CMD Manager at the top it has everything I need and for the other I just use keyboard shortcuts to do certain repeat functions.

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376