Visualizing Discrete Properties

In Assembly Visualization, you can use a spectrum that steps from one distinct color to the next to help you visualize a property with discrete values, such as Status.

Color sliders are not available for property values that have Link color to property value selected. You can clear this option in the Custom Column dialog box.

To access the dialog box, click the arrow to the right of the column headers and click More.

To visualize the assembly:

  1. On the Assembly Visualization tab , click the column header to sort the components by the discrete property.
  2. Turn the color spectrum on.
  3. Right-click one of the color sliders , and click Group Identical.
    The original sliders are replaced by a pair of same-colored sliders for each discrete value. At the transition between one discrete value and another, the sliders overlap each other to create a step change in color rather than a gradual blend.

    To change the colors, you can right-click each slider and select Change Color.

Example: Visualizing Discrete Properties

In this example, you colorize the components based on MakeOrBuy. Each component has a value of either M or B.

To visualize the assembly:

  1. On the Assembly Visualization tab , click the column header to sort the components by the MakeOrBuy property.
  2. On the left side of the panel, click the vertical bar to turn the color spectrum on.

    The vertical bar displays a spectrum of colors from red to blue. In the graphics area, each component changes to its adjacent color in the Assembly Visualization panel.

    In this case, the blend of colors applied in the graphics area does not accurately represent the fact that only two discrete values are possible.
  3. Right-click one of the color sliders and click Group Identical.
    Two new sliders are added (one red, one blue), so that each discrete value has a pair of same-colored sliders. In the graphics area, all the B parts are red and all the M parts are blue.




    To change the colors, you can right click each slider and select Change Color.
    You can change the default colors used by the Group Identical command. Click Tools > Options > System Options > Colors . Under Color scheme settings, select Assembly Visualization number and click Edit.
  4. Save the assembly to save the Assembly Visualization settings.