What is SOLIDWORKS Composer?

In this beginner’s guide, we’re going to take a detailed look at SOLIDWORKS Composer, including its advantages and different package options.

What is SOLIDWORKS Composer?

Composer makes it easy to reuse existing 3D models to quickly create and update high quality graphical assets that are fully associated with your 3D design.

The software allows you to create 2D and 3D graphical content that clearly demonstrates your product or process. The tools are easy to use, letting you work directly from 3D CAD data to create high quality illustrations, photorealistic images and interactive animations without having to wait for a physical prototype. This is ideal for instruction manuals, procedural guides, maintenance manuals and other similar documentation.

6 Advantages of SOLIDWORKS Composer

SOLIDWORKS Composer Runs Alongside SOLIDWORKS

Composer runs alongside SOLIDWORKS, so the instruction manual reflects any changes to your CAD data. This means you can run the two software concurrently, and actually start your documentation before the designs are complete.

Doesn’t Require a CAD License

Composer doesn’t require a CAD license on the computer it’s being operated from because it’s a standalone software. This allows your CAD licenses to remain with designers and engineers instead.

Quickly Output Content

You no longer have to create individual screenshots — which takes time to capture and then update. Instead, you can batch output content, including composer specific model views, specific frames of animations or 360-degree views, in seconds.

Interactive Content

Composer makes it easier to navigate between, and deep dive into, subassemblies and specific components. View individual elements in 3D to facilitate accurate assembly. Add buttons and interactive content between static views, external files and markers within animations.

Publish projects to HTML and SVG

The software includes multiple options for publishing projects, including HTML and SVG output for use in web browsers. This allows end users to access technical documentation via a very light-weight environment without the need for additional software installations.

You can even embed the free Composer Player into an HTML file using ActiveX controls to provide a full 3D environment, as well as standard formatting, while the SVG output can be opened directly in any web browser without ActiveX controls.

Is SOLIDWORKS Composer Difficult to Learn?

One of the best things about Composer is that it is intuitive and easy to use, even for non-technical users. We can offer wide-ranging support, guidance, and tutorials across the full suite of SOLIDWORKS platforms, including Composer. Take a look at the training options we have available at TECHNIA, or check out our Knowledge Hub to access our webinars, FAQs and other resources.

Which SOLIDWORKS Composer package is right for you?

There are several SOLIDWORKS Composer packages for you to choose from, but which is right for you or your organization?

SOLIDWORKS Composer

Quickly create 2D and 3D graphical content, including illustrations, photorealistic images and interactive animations, directly from your existing 3D CAD data.

SOLIDWORKS Composer Player Professional

This viewer allows you to interact with 3D content, enables you to interrogate a model, adjust the viewing angle and more.

SOLIDWORKS Composer Sync

Create a batch conversion process from 3D CAD and other 3D formats into the SOLIDWORKS Composer format. You can also automatically update product data or manufacturing information to Composer deliverables.

SOLIDWORKS Composer Enterprise Sync

The enterprise version of Composer Sync enables you to connect with existing enterprise systems through a command line interface to programmatically execute 3DVIA Sync conversion jobs.

SOLIDWORKS Composer Check

Identify potentially costly design flaws by examining clearances and planning production paths before the product is launched, meaning you can instantly validate assembly procedures after a design change. Not sure what your organization needs? We can help you to identify the best package based on your requirements.

Discover more about SOLIDWORKS

If you want to find out more about the SOLIDWORKS suite of 3D and 2D CAD tools, or if you have any questions about SOLIDWORKS Composer specifically, don’t hesitate to reach out. Get in touch with the team here at TECHNIA, experts in cutting edge Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software, and we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.