Library Features
A library
feature is a frequently used feature, or combination of features,
that you create once and then save in a library for future use. Most feature
types are supported, some with certain limitations.
Library features usually consist
of features added to a base feature, but not the base feature itself.
Because you cannot have two base features in a single part, you cannot
insert a library feature that includes a base feature into a part that
already has a base feature. However, you can create a library feature
that includes the base feature and insert it in an empty
part.
You can create commonly used
features, such as holes or slots, and save them as library features. You
can use several library features as building blocks to construct a single
part. This can save time, and it can help ensure consistency in your models.
General Attributes
With library features, you can
do any of the following:
Select
a configuration
while inserting the library feature into a part.
Include
Link to parent part.
Edit
by changing configurations, selecting a different position, and so on.
Add descriptions
to references when saving the library feature.
Add annotations
to a library feature, and have the annotations inserted into the part
with the library feature.
When you insert the annotation
into a library feature, either the annotation itself or the leader must
touch the feature to be saved with the feature.
Store a
helix
as a library feature.
Flip the
sketch
orientation during insertion of a library feature by clicking
the direction arrow in the graphics area.
Transfer
visual properties, such as textures, specified in the library feature
to the inserted features.
Design Library
The Design Library includes
folders populated with reusable entities, such as annotations, assemblies,
and forming tools. The Design Library controls all library feature functions
including:
Display
of the library features and subfolders that contain library features.
Preview
of the library feature parts.
Insertion
of the library features on the face of a part or on a plane in the graphics
area.
The Design Library folder is
located on the disk in:
install_directory\Documents
and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SolidWorks\SolidWorks_version\design
library.
Related Topics
Creating a Library Feature
References
and Dimensions with Library Features
Editing a Library Feature
Adding Color to a Library Feature
Library Feature Previews
Adding a Library Feature to a Part
Library Feature PropertyManager
Dissolving Library Features
Positioning Forming Tools