Rendering with PhotoView 360

PhotoView 360 is a SOLIDWORKS add-in that produces photo-realistic renderings of SOLIDWORKS models. The rendered image incorporates the appearances, lighting, scene, and decals included with the model. PhotoView 360 is available with SOLIDWORKS Professional or SOLIDWORKS Premium.

SOLIDWORKS 2023 SP5 is the last supported release of PhotoView 360.

Workflow

  1. With a model open, click Tools > Add-In and add in PhotoView 360.
  2. Start a preview in the graphics area or open the Preview window to see how changes you make to the model affect the rendering.
  3. Edit appearances, the scene, and decals.
  4. Edit lights.
    By default, lighting is off in PhotoView. With lights off, you can use the realistic lighting provided by scenes, which is usually sufficient for rendering. You typically need additional lighting in PhotoView to illuminate occluded spaces in the model.
  5. Edit PhotoView Options.
  6. When you are ready, perform a final render either now (PhotoView > Final Render) or later (PhotoView > Schedule Render).

    If annotations or dimensions are visible in your model, a dialog box appears with options to include the dimensions and annotations or render without them.

    If you have not added a camera or turned on perspective view, which provide more realistic, higher quality renderings, a dialog box appears. You can turn on a camera or perspective view from the dialog box or continue without them.

  7. Make detailed adjustments in the Final Render Window.