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Archive for October 7th, 2008

One of the things that I enjoy the most about writing this humble blog is having the opportunity of helping others through the blog posts and also answering questions other users may have. However, there’s one particular kind of question that I get every now and then that always leaves me wondering: when people ask me about how they can manage to make SolidWorks behave just like AutoCAD by using the 2D emulator. I try to answer the best I can, even though I don’t really use the 2D emulator myself, but I try to help no matter what. However, I just don’t get it! I don’t think I ever will!  SolidWorks and AutoCAD are two very different things. They each have their own strengths and their own place in today’s industry. SolidWorks will never be AutoCAD, 2D emulator or not, so why limit themselves to the few options available through the emulator, when they could be enjoying all that SolidWorks has to offer without it?

This time, for instance, I’ve been asked about how to use transparent commands such as SNAP and OSNAP. The person that asked was having a hard time trying to make it behave just like AutoCAD so he could sketch and SNAP to a center, midpoint, end point, etc. I tried to figure out what exactly was the problem and how to fix it, but at some point I just couldn’t help but suggesting he should forget about the 2D emulator all together and begin sketching like so using automatic relations and Quick Snaps. That it would actually be easier that way.  I hope I didn’t confuse the poor guy a lot more! I wonder why sometimes it’s so hard to let go. I guess it’s just being familiar with AutoCAD? Resistance to change, perhaps? I didn’t exactly have a hard time letting go of my AutoCAD ways, but I do remember the first time I saw the screen in SolidWorks it was confusing and a bit of a shock. I can understand that it’s a common thing to fear change. I’ve been there many times before. But the funny thing is the change they dread so much would actually be easier that trying to hold on to the old ways! Because, if what they really want is AutoCAD, why change to SolidWorks in the first place? I mean, to each their own.  I’m not going to use AutoCAD and expect it to be SolidWorks. That just wouldn’t work! Well, it’s the same the other way around.

So, for all of you that, like me, were AutoCAD users before and are now trying to learn SolidWorks, one small piece of advice that can make your life easier: don’t even think about the 2D emulator. Do not try to find AutoCAD in SolidWorks. Just forget what you know, check your AutoCAD skills at the front door, and throw yourself into SolidWorks just as it is meant to be. Don’t even dare try to turn it into what it’s not. Trust me; you’ll advance faster that way and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in so very little time!