How to Change Background Color in SolidWorks?

Visual presentation of the CAD models

Contents

Computer Aided Designing is the 2d or 3d representation of the concept or drawing. These models are after validating sent to the manufacturer and producers. Designing a 3D model is not sufficient we sometimes wonder how the product is going to look after manufacturing. CAD software like Solidworks has features that help in better visualization of the model. The software provides the options and features by which we can apply the material textures onto the surface. It also helps in applying the surface finish to the model.

This feature can help in generating high-quality and realistic renders. Not only we can change the texture of the model which resembles the material we can also change the background of the model. We have some settings and options by which we can change the background and Environment of the graphics area. Changing the background is very easy and effective. If the model has a high reflecting surface the background color or texture is reflected onto it. Just like in a real scenario when we place a stainless steel glass in the room onto the glass surface we see the effect of lighting. The highly shining surface of the glass can act as a mirror and reflect the environment in which it is kept.

As background has only color and visual effects on the model Which is not the case in Environment. In Environment semicircular area is generated in which our model is located. The environment has color, visuals or scenes, and lighting effects as well which make it different from basic background changes.

Changing Background in Solidworks

To change the Background go to DisplayManager.

You will see three icons of Appearances, Decal and View scenes, light, and camera. Click on the last icon.

Under the Scene option, you can change the Background and Environment. Previously selected background and environment which will be written in brackets ( ).

Right, Click on the background > Edit scene…

You will see various options in PropertyManager. By default on the right side of the graphics area in the task pan, it shows the available Scenes in the Solidworks Library. You can drag and drop it onto the graphics or double-click on it to apply. Under the scenes folder, you will see various subfolders, you can explore them and use the background or environment which meets your imagination.

In property management, you get three setting options Basic, Advance, and PhotoView 360 Lightning.

After making the required changes click on OK.

We have one shortcut way to apply the Background scene. In View Toolbar (Headup) you will this one icon you can hover the mouse pointer to know the name of the command icon. The icon name is Apply scene click on the dropdown button and select the background environment of your choice. You can choose other scenes by clicking on Manager favorites and adding scenes to this list.

Now we are going to see the setting in Property Manager.

Changing Background color

In basic setting option, under Background from drop down select color. Choose the color and click OK.

Setting in PropertyManager

Basic

This option has settings like,

Under Background change the background to a color, gradient, image, or use Environment.

In Environment, you can Browse the available environment scene in the Solidworks library or you can choose your background file.

Underfloor, you can enable or disable the floor reflections, shadow, and flatten the floor. You can also align the floor with some offset or plane.

Display States is the last option under the basis setting option.

Advance

Floor size/Rotation You can change the aspect ratio or auto-size floor or you can manually enter the width and depth of the floor along with the rotation angle.

Environment Rotation by this option whole environment is rotated by a given angle.

Scene file Under this you can browse and import the scene and add it to the library.