RealView

RealView gives models a realistic and dynamic representation without the need to render. If your graphics card is RealView-compatible, RealView is enabled by default.

Verify that you have the latest drivers installed. Some RealView-compatible graphic cards may not display all of the effects (self-shadows and reflections). See: www.solidworks.com/pages/services/videocardtesting.html.

RealView Effects

  RealView on RealView off
Appearances More realistic representation

Environment reflections

Visible bump surface finish

Multi-colored effects (car paint)

Basic OpenGL colors and textures

Standard texture mapping for texture-based appearances

Scenes Self-shadowing from first directional light

Floor shadows and reflections

Basic soft shadow on floor

No reflective floors

Appearances

The appearance of a model is different from its physical properties. For example, you can assign a model the physical property of stainless steel, but add the appearance of glossy car paint.

Scenes

Scenes affect the way appearances look by displaying different environments that include reflective floors, photos that encompass the model, and reflections of backgrounds.

Whether RealView is selected or cleared has no effect on System Colors. A default background scheme or the scenes you add are always displayed in the graphics area.

Legacy Models Compared

  SOLIDWORKS 2008 SOLIDWORKS 2009
  RealView on RealView off RealView on RealView off
SOLIDWORKS 2007 colors and textures Either the default plastic appearance or the default texture appearance for the associated color or texture Same color or texture as for SOLIDWORKS 2007 Either the default plastic appearance or the default texture appearance for the associated color or texture Either the default plastic appearance or the default texture appearance for the associated color or texture
SOLIDWORKS 2007 PhotoWorks Materials Appearances Color or texture that matches that of the appearance Appearances Appearances
- Appearances (new in SOLIDWORKS 2008) Color or texture that matches that of the appearance Appearances Appearances
To toggle RealView, click RealView Graphics (View toolbar).