Simplified Interface (2025 SP1)

Simplified Interface is a workspace that presents the SOLIDWORKS window with an abridged user interface. The window includes basic user interface elements tailored to the type of document that you open.

With a document open, click View > Workspace > Simplified Interface.

Without a document open, click View > Simplified Interface.

When selected, the status bar indicates the Simplified Interface workspace.

If you use the Simplified Interface workspace, customize the interface for your needs, then turn off Simplified Interface, SOLIDWORKS saves any customizations that you made if you turn on Simplified Interface again.

Heads-Up View Toolbar

For parts and assemblies, the Heads-up View toolbar contains tools to manipulate views. It does not include appearances, scenes, or view settings.
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CommandManager

The CommandManager displays one tab per document type. The tabs are Basic Modeling Tools, Basic Assembly Tools, and Basic Drawing Tools which contain commonly used tools for those document types.

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Task Pane

The Task Pane contains the following tabs:
  • 3DEXPERIENCE
  • Design Library
  • View Palette
  • Appearances, Scenes, and Decals
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You can specify tabs to include. On a Task Pane tab, right-click and select Customize.

FeatureManager Design Tree

The FeatureManager design tree contains the following items:
  • Equations
  • Material
  • Planes
  • Origin
  • Sketch
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You can specify items to include in Tools > Options > System Options > FeatureManager under Hide/show tree items.

Items in the FeatureManager design tree do not include configuration or display state names if only one exists. You can turn this option on or off. In the FeatureManager design tree, right-click a part or assembly name and click Tree Display > Component Name and Description. In the dialog box, clear Do not show Configuration or Display State name if only one exists.

PropertyManagers

Several PropertyManagers contain collapsed sections:

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Sketch Mode

For parts, the Simplified Interface opens a new part with an active sketch on the Front plane.

You can turn this option on or off in Tools > Options > System Options > Sketch and clear Create sketch on new part.

MotionManager Tree

The MotionManager tree is hidden.